Q & A
Ask Rusty – Will Claiming Early Affect My Wife’s Survivor Benefit?
Dear Rusty: My wife will be turning 62 and eligible to collect Social Security this year. We realize it will be a reduced amount. I am 52 and have been the sole income earner for most of the last 20…
Ask Rusty – How Does Social Security Disability Work with Private Disability Insurance?
Dear Rusty: If someone is collecting long-term disability through their company and the company states the employee also must apply through Social Security, how does this work? Does the amount of Social Security decrease from the amount that the person…
Ask Rusty – I’m A Widower With 3 Minor Children – What About Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My wife passed away a few days ago and I have three children – ages 15, 11, and 10. Is there anything I need to do? Signed: Suddenly Widowed Dear Suddenly Widowed: We are so sorry to hear…
Ask Rusty – Can My In-laws Get Supplemental Security Income?
Dear Rusty: I am wondering what the income limit is for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. My in-laws are in their 70’s. both drawing Social Security, and each has a pension from jobs they retired from. I am wondering if…
Ask Rusty – Must I Pay Income Tax on Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I do not recall the rules on my income tax obligation for Social Security benefits. Can you please explain these rules to me? Signed: Senior Taxpayer Dear Senior Taxpayer: I’ll be happy to review the rules about income…
Ask Rusty – Will My Husband’s Benefits Continue After He Dies?
Dear Rusty: My husband is 65 and I am 55. He has recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. My question is, will I continue receiving his full social security check every month after his passing? Will the amount decrease? Signed: Tearful…
Ask Rusty – Will Paying the IRS Quarterly Increase My Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I waited to sign up for Social Security until I turned 70 last month so I would qualify for the maximum benefit. I have been the pastor of a small church for the last 15 years & they…
Ask Rusty – Can a Widower Get Full Survivor Benefits Early?
Dear Rusty: My wife passed from COVID-related heart disease in 2020, just short of her 65th birthday. I will be 66 in May 2023. Do I have any recourse for a part of her benefit? Online at ssa.gov it says…
Ask Rusty – I’m Working; Why Hasn’t My Social Security Benefit Increased?
Dear Rusty: I will be 72 in July. I started taking my Social Security at age 64 after a job loss and other items that came up. So, my plan to wait past 68 evaporated, but I have continued to…
Ask Rusty – About Payroll Tax and Income Tax on Social Security
Dear Rusty: Is it possible for you to go over how the Federal withholding tax is computed on Social Security benefits? Signed: Curious Taxpayer. Dear Curious: I’m not sure if you’re asking about how FICA (or self-employment) tax on your…