Q & A
Ask Rusty – Have I Saved Social Security Money by Claiming at 62?
Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security at 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last 13 years I have saved Social Security money, so I do not know why I cannot draw my…
Ask Rusty – About How Medicare Premiums Are Determined
Dear Rusty: Please explain the Medicare premium increase based on income reported to Social Security? For those of us that waited to draw Social Security until age 70, and who are still working – drawing a salary, and planning to…
Ask Rusty – Am I entitled to more Social Security from my Ex-husbands?
Dear Rusty: I am 76 years old and a retired high school counselor/teacher. I was married to my first husband from 1968 until 1981. He is still living, and he remarried two more times and, I believe, he is currently…
Ask Rusty – When Should My Wife Claim Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I turned 64 in July and my wife turned 62 in August. My wife has not worked for approximately 15 years but does qualify for Social Security on her prior work record. My wife is having some physical…
Ask Rusty: Older Veteran Asks about Special Social Security Credit for Military Service
Dear Rusty: I served in the U S Army from January 1958 to Feb 1961. What increase should I receive for those years and who do I call and at what phone number? Signed: Proud Veteran Dear Proud Veteran: First,…
Working Septuagenarian Asks About Disability Benefits
Dear Rusty: I retired at my full retirement age, am now 79 and will be 80 in December. I have been working consistently since. I get a meager Social Security benefit, only about $800 due to my federal retirement offset.…
Why Does the Government Raid Social Security?
Dear Rusty: The Social Security program is funded by employees and their employers. The federal government does not contribute to the program, right? So why does the federal government feel they have the right to raid the fund? All the…
Ask Rusty – About Taxation of Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am past my Social Security full retirement age, and I am still working. I am married and we file our income tax jointly. My husband is 64 and is not working now, but he may, or may…
Ask Rusty – About Signing up for Social Security and Medicare Part B at 70
Dear Rusty: I just turned 69 years old in August 2024 and am still working full time. I signed up for Medicare Part A but, it is my secondary insurance because I have great health insurance through where I work.…
Ask Rusty – Will my Wife’s Survivor Benefit be Less if she Claimed Her Social Security Early?
Dear Rusty: I claimed Social Security at 70. My wife claimed her own SS at 62, and her earnings were significantly lower than mine. I understand my wife will be eligible to claim my benefit if I pass before she…