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Your Social Security Questions Answered

Read answers to reader-submitted Social Security questions from Martha Shedden, RSSA’s CLO, and her team of experts. Submit your own question to Martha here.

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How do I fix an issue with an IRMAA penalty?

Full question: I recently retired and got a letter claiming i was getting an IRMAA penalty based upon income from 2 years ago – but my current income is now 1/3 of what i made now that I’m retired. How do I fix this issue? Hi there, You can request to lower the IRMAA by…

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I turn my FRA at the end of May. Should I say I want to receive my benefits in May or June?

Full question: My full retirement age is May 30th 2025. How do I answer the question when do I want to start receiving my benefits. Do I put May or June? Hi there, I assume that you want to file your benefits at your full retirement age so you should put May, the month you…

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I am switching from survivor benefits to my own benefit in February. Will I still receive my survivor benefit in January?

Full question: I am 68 and switching from my survivor benefits to my personal benefit to take place in February (this month) but to be paid the following month, in March. Will I still receive the survivor benefit for January to be paid in February, or go a month without a check? Hi there, You…

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My wife’s benefits were subject to WEP and GPO. Can she apply for spousal benefits?

Full question: If my wife has qualified for Social Security benefits but it was subject to WEP and GPO, can she now apply for spousal benefits based on my earnings? My earnings are substantially higher than my wife’s. Hi there, The WEP and GPO rules were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act on January…

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What are the current earnings test threshold limits?

Full question: Is it true that if I collect my husband’s survivor benefits at 60 I can only make $23,500 a year in my income or I have to pay $2.00 for every dollar over that amount? Hi there, If you claim the survivor benefits before your FRA, the SSA will withhold a certain amount…

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Can my wife claim her benefit now and switch to a higher spousal benefit later?

Full question: My wife, a retired teacher with a pension of $5000 a month, turned 62 in September last year. Could she claim her benefit now and then convert to a higher spousal benefit in 2028 when I turn 67? Hello, When your wife files for benefits, she will be deemed to be filing for…

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