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Martha Shedden is RSSA’s President and Co-Founder. Read Martha’s responses to questions regarding Social Security. View all questions or browse by category. Submit your own question to Martha here.
I am divorced. We were married for less than 10 years. Am I eligible for ex-spousal benefits?
Full question: Hi Martha, I’m upset because I think I know the answer but just wanted to double check. My ex-husband and I were married on 4-29-1989 and we were divorced I believe with a date of 2-3-1999. So, just 2 months shy of 10 years. I don’t believe I’m eligible but wanted to double…
Read MoreIf my wife is currently collecting based on my benefits, will she collect the same benefits when I die?
Full question: If my wife is drawing on my benefits when I pass will she continue to draw the same benefits? My benefits were reduced because of Federal employment. Hi there, If your wife is collecting spousal benefits based on your earnings record and you pass away, she will be eligible for survivor benefits, which…
Read MoreCan I collect survivor benefits and switch to my own later?
Full question: Good afternoon, My wife passed away 3 years ago from a brain tumor at age 60,.I’m currently collecting my deceased spousal benefits, we were married for 21 years as I had just turned 60, I’m now 63. Am i able to collect on this before i claim my Social Security at 70 ?…
Read MoreWill I receive my benefit or my ex-spousal benefit?
Full question: I was married to my ex husband for 11 years and divorced in 2003, I’m now 74 and collected my Social Security at age 64 due to cancer but don’t know if my ex had started collecting Social Security and still working part time and he’s now 72. How do I know if…
Read MoreCan you earn work credits from a self-employment business?
Full question: This question is for my mother. She is 67 and she would like to apply for Social Security benefits. She has been a homemaker until my Dad decided to get a small Cafe going. This business is in my mom’s name and my question is, may we apply the last 6 credits she…
Read MoreCan I pay my income tax due on my benefits at the end of the year?
Full question: I would rather pay my tax at the end of the year when filing. How do I change that? Thank you. Hi there, I am assuming you are referring to the income tax due on your Social Security benefits. If this is the case, contact the SSA here and have them change the…
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