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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.

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I am a widow. My husband was on disability. What am I eligible to receive at age 62?

Full question: I am a widow, my husband was on disability when he died (at ager 55 years old). What am I eligible to do at age 62- may I collect mine and not collect survivor benefits til 70? Hi there, At age 60 you are eligible for survivor benefits and at age 62 you…

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Why am I not eligible for survivors benefits?

Full question: I’ve been a widow for almost 10 years. I retired 2 years ago and receive a monthly pension. I’ve been denied for benefits for a widow. I have to pay my Medicare. Why do I not qualify for widow benefits? Hi there, My guess is that your monthly pension is the type subject…

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I have a pension from the UK. How will the WEP affect me?

Full question: I am receiving ex spousal benefits and have just become eligible for my own benefits although I am over FRA. I have a U.K. state pension. How will WEP affect me.? Will I still receive the same spousal benefit that I was receiving before? Hi there, If you are receiving ex-spousal benefits and…

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Will my husband’s benefit amount increase when I file for my benefits at age 70?

Full question: My husband is age 50 and has been receiving SSDI income since age 30. I am 63 and intend to file for SS at age 70. Will my husband get a step up based on my PIA at my FRA or is it based on when he reaches his FRA? Hi there, When…

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Why can’t I receive a survivors benefit?

Full question: Can I receive survivor benefits since my wife died June 27, now they’re telling me we will no longer receive her benefits, only a $250 burial fee Hello, There are two reasons that you may not be entitled to a survivor benefit based on your wife’s earnings. First, if your own retirement benefit…

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Is it true that I can’t receive a survivors benefit because of my pension?

Full question: Social Security said I’m not eligible for my deceased husbands benefit because I receive a pension from a government agency. We were married 53 years, and I am 71 and receive my own social security as well as the pension. Do I have grounds to appeal their decision? Hi there, There are two…

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