Hi there. Welcome to our November newsletter stuffed with timely news and insights on Social Security and retirement. We’re thankful for the opportunity to connect with you each month—feel free to reach out anytime at info@rssa.com. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃
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How to Undo Claiming Social Security Early
Source: US News & World Report
If you regret claiming your Social Security benefits, you may have the opportunity to “undo” your decision and reapply later. RSSA President & Co-Founder, Martha Shedden shares information about this process with writer Brian O’Connell. Read the story.
Medicare Gave Them Bad Advice. Now They’re Paying Dearly.
Source: Barron’s
Unintentional errors from government and SSA representatives can unfortunately result in costly consequences for those relying on Medicare and Social Security advice. Martha Shedden and Brian Keith Moon, RSSA share their insights with Barron’s Neal Templin on this big issue. Read the story.
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Question: I was married for 34 years and am now divorced. When I start collecting Social Security benefits of my own and my ex-husband collectively, and get married to a non-US citizen, will I still be able to receive the full benefit of both mine and my ex’s Social Security? I was on the phone with someone and they couldn’t answer this question. The non-US citizen will never be able to provide me any type of retirement so it would make sense if I could keep my own and ex-spouses Social Security.
Martha’s response: You will be able to receive your retirement benefits, but unable to collect the ex-spousal benefits because of the remarriage. Being single is one of the conditions to be eligible for ex-spousal benefits, regardless of your current spouse’s nationality…Read the full response.
Ask Martha your own question.
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📢 Social Security Administration Updates
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Appointments Required: Effective January 6, 2025, an appointment will be required for most in-person services. SSA encourages customers to take advantage of their online services as well as their automated services via telephone. While this new policy will be implemented in January, SSA specifies that they will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment.
Improving Telephone Services: While SSA highly recommends customers use their online services, they are still working to improve their telephone platform. The average wait time has been reduced to 13 minutes and they now have an improved “Call Back Assist” feature. The SSA national phone number is 1-800-772-1213.
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This RICP Specializes In WEP & GPO – How Pensions Affect Your Social Security Benefit
In this archived episode of Social Security: Answers from the Experts, Martha Shedden sits down with Christopher Hensley and they discuss his views surrounding how to successful plan for retirement, how to handle Social Security decisions, and what the future of financial planning may look like in our ever changing world. Christopher Hensley is a Financial Advisor and the President and CEO of the Houston First Financial Group.
Listen to the episode or watch the recording on YouTube.
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💡 Social Security Spotlight: Divorce
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What are the eligibility requirements for collecting ex-spousal Social Security benefits? If you are divorced, you still may be eligible to receive benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record (and your ex-spouse may be eligible to receive benefits based on your record too). You may be eligible to collect ex-spousal benefits if you were married for more than 10 years, you are currently single, and you are at least age 62.
Does my ex-spouse need to be collecting their retirement benefits in order for me to collect benefits based on his/her record? It depends. If you have been divorced for more than 2 years, you are considered “independently entitled” and therefore your ex-spouse does not need to be collecting retirement benefits in order for you to receive ex-spousal benefits based on his/her record. If you have been divorced for less than 2 years, you must wait until your ex-spouse is collecting their retirement benefits in order for you to collect a spousal benefit based on his/her record.
Will my ex-spouse know that I am receiving benefits based on his/her record? It is common for individuals to be completely unaware that their ex-spouse is collecting benefits based on their record. Ex-spousal benefits will not have an impact on the benefits of the one whose record they are being paid from.
What documents will I need to apply for ex-spousal benefits? There are several documents you may need and these include your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, W-2, marriage certificate, and divorce decree.
Learn more about ex-spousal benefits.
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Webinar: Transform Your Business in 2025 with Social Security
Become a trusted Social Security professional and guide your clients through one of the most critical aspects of retirement planning. Gain the knowledge and tools to confidently help your clients optimize their Social Security benefits and plan for a secure future. During the webinar, learn how the RSSA Program can help you engage clients and prospects with Social Security optimization and wellness and enhance your professional services with a unique value-add.
Dates to select from:
Tuesday, December 3rd, at 2 PM EST – Register here
Tuesday, December 10th, at 12 PM EST – Register here
Webinar: Introducing the RSSA Lead Gen Program
You’ve worked hard to achieve your RSSA designation—now it’s time to leverage it and build a funnel of leads! Join us for an exclusive webinar to explore how the new RSSA Lead Generation Program can help you dramatically grow your business, connect with more clients, and position yourself as the trusted Social Security professional. This new program is a turnkey solution designed to help you create consistent lead opportunities year-round. *Participation in this new subscription requires an active RSSA designation.
Date:
Tuesday, December 3, at 1 PM ET – Register Here
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Disclaimer: The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, Ltd. has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The Social Security information provided in this email and on the website does not and is not intended to constitute financial advice. All information, content, and materials available in this email and on this site are for general informational purposes only.
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