Q & A
Ask Rusty – Can A Working Widow Collect Survivor Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I’m 63 and still employed. My husband passed away 7 years ago at the age of 58. Am I able to collect my husband’s Social Security while I’m still working? Signed: Working Widow Dear Working Widow: Technically at…
Ask Rusty – For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare
Dear Rusty: I’m nearing 68 years old, have never signed up for Medicare but thinking that I should look into it. I’m currently covered by my wife’s health insurance through her employer. I would greatly appreciate some simple guidance regarding…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Avoid Pitfalls and Get Maximum Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I turned 70 in June of this year and want to start receiving benefits. I am currently working full time as well. I want to set things up and get started in the most advantageous way so that…
Ask Rusty – When Is My Wife Eligible for Full Survivor Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I heard my spouse will get 100% of my Social Security when I pass if she is at her full retirement age (FRA), which is 66 years and 8 months. But I also heard that full widow benefits…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Get My Social Security As Soon As Possible?
Dear Rusty: I am a few weeks away from my 61st birthday in November 2022. I was wondering how far in advance of my 62nd birthday next year should I file my Social Security benefits paperwork in order to get…
Ask Rusty – Why Don’t I Get Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)?
Dear Rusty: I get a NET amount of $210 from Social Security plus get an alimony check of $1,400. Other people I know get a COLA increase every year, but I was told I am not eligible? But no reason…
Ask Rusty – How Do I Handle an Overpayment Notice from Social Security?
Dear Rusty: Things have gone good for me until now. I got a job and have enjoyed going back to work after being retired. But I just got some bad news – a letter from Social Security saying I owe…
Ask Rusty – How Do Social Security Survivor Benefits Work?
Dear Rusty: Social Security is confusing in itself and gets even more confusing when you receive multiple answers to the same question from multiple sources. During my research I came across your organization, and I hope you can assist me…
Ask Rusty – Octogenarian Asks About Wife’s Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am now 80 and my wife is 76, and we both took early Social Security benefits at age 62. When my wife took her Social Security, it was a lot smaller than mine, so they took a…
Ask Rusty – Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am a military veteran with a total & permanent disability. I was married for over ten years to a military man who has since honorably separated from military service. I was originally on Social Security disability, which…