Pensions

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Can I collect my Social Security to make up the difference between my benefit and my survivor benefit?

Full question: My husband is in hospice. When he passes, I will be able to collect his railroad pension, but no longer mine. Can I collect my Social Security to make up for the lost? Hi there, I am sorry about your husband. Railroad retirement benefits and Social Security benefits are similar. There are a…

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I received an overpayment and now owe the SSA money. How is this fair?

Full question: (I am an American citizen) Is it fair that I paid into Social Security and obeyed the rules while working in the USA until I came to Portugal and began working here where I then paid into Social Security here and obeyed all the rules? My pension original pension from the states was…

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How does a teaching pension impact Social Security survivor benefits?

Full question: My mom (68 years old) is receiving survivor benefits and is in the process of selecting an annuity option from TRS. She doesn’t have 40 credits and paid into TRS only. We’ve been prepping and searching for answers on IF and how a partial lump-sum option affects the government pension offset, GPO. Do…

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I am a widow and a teacher with a pension. Am I entitled to any Social Security?

Full question: I am 57, at 45 became a widow. I was told I could receive benefits at 60. Problem is I am a teacher in public school system. I called Social Security and they said I am not entitled to anything because my estimated pension monthly is more than my husband monthly Social. Is…

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I live in Australia. Will the WEP rule apply to my pension?

Full question: Hi Martha. I have tried the WEP screening tool, but it refers to a totalization agreement that confuses me. Asking this question so I can perhaps talk to a WEP expert in a consultation. I wish to know if the section on this document entitled: “Payments which cannot be used to apply WEP…

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My divorced spousal benefit is more than my own benefit. I also have a pension from Belgium. Will WEP apply?

Full question: I have social security benefits but would like to apply for Divorced Spouse as I will receive more than from my own record. I also receive a pension from Belgium. I know that GPO will not apply but will WEP apply? Hi there, The WEP rule only affects your retirement benefits, not dependent…

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