Q & A
Ask Rusty – What Do My Wife, and my Ex-wife, Get If I Die?
Dear Rusty: I am a 77 year old married male. I am retired and started drawing Social Security at age 66, and my monthly amount is a little over $3,000. My present wife is 52 and employed, and we have…
Ask Rusty – About Working While Collecting Early Benefits
Dear Rusty: How much would be withheld from my social security benefits? I am 62 and can claim about $1,900 a month now. I’m still working, making about $75K per year. How much of my benefits would I get? What…
Ask Rusty – I’m Getting Spouse Benefits – What Happens to My Own?
Dear Rusty: I was born in late 1951. When I retired 5 years ago, I was made aware that my own Social Security benefit was less than half of my husband’s SS Benefit. So, I chose to take half of…
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…