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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, NARSSA’s Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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Am I eligible for survivor benefits?

Full question: After I turn 67 FRA can I claim my spousal support who passed away on August 9, 2023? Hi there, Yes, after you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 67, you can claim survivor benefits based on your late spouse’s record. Survivor benefits do not increase past the surviving spouse’s FRA, so…

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Do I need to fill out a new application if switching from survivor benefits to my own?

Hi there, If you are currently receiving survivor benefits and wish to switch to your own retirement benefits, you will need to apply for retirement benefits separately. This can be done online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. For a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Social Security retirement…

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Am I eligible for child-in-care spousal benefits?

Full question: I am divorced age 50 with minor children. My ex spouse is 66 so the children ages 11 and 13 are eligible for benefits too. As the ex do I have benefits as the kids mom and if so do the income thresholds apply? Hello, As the mother of your ex-spouse’s minor children,…

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What will my wife’s spousal benefit be?

Full question: Hi Martha, I started my Social Security at 62 (am now 63) and took the reduced amount. My wife (62) is considering applying for spousal benefits as she has not contributed much to Social Security. Does she qualify for half of the full retirement benefit that I would have received at 67 (minus…

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How can I see what my Social Security benefit will be at different ages?

Hello, The first place to start is at SSA.gov by setting up a mySocialSecurity account. Once you have that, you will have access to your Social Security statement showing you benefit amounts at the years between 62 and 70. For further personal assistance, we recommend connecting with a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA) in your…

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Is my sister entitled to benefits retroactive to January 24th as a result of the Social Security Fairness Act?

Full question: My sister receives public pension as a result of her years long teaching career. She never applied for Social Security benefits because 2/3 of her public pension would have exceeded any SS benefits. SS Fairness Act became law Jan 25. She applied for SS benefits 1-17-25 received lump sum (incl 6 months retroactive)…

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