Q & A
Ask Rusty – Should I Take My Widower Benefit Now?
Dear Rusty: I lost my wife 7 years ago. I was told that I could possibly collect 30 to 35% of her benefit as a widower benefit when I turned 60. I will be 61 soon. Would it make sense…
Ask Rusty – About Computing COLA and Congressional Pay Increases
Dear Rusty: What determines the amount of the cost of living increase for Social Security as compared to the cost of living increase for Congress? Last year Social Security got less than 2 percent, while Congress got a 10 percent…
Ask Rusty – Why Is My Medicare Part B Premium So High?
Dear Rusty: Social Security is deducting $297 per month for my Medicare Part B coverage. I have what’s called a “Windfall Elimination Provision” because I receive a pension from my former State employer. Prior to my 65th Birthday in July…
Ask Rusty – About Paying SS Tax While Still Working
Dear Rusty: Upon being let go in 2009 at age 65 from my full time job of 30 years, I immediately applied for Social Security for my wife and I to live on while seeking employment. Not finding anything full…
Ask Rusty – Is Waiting until 70 Still the Best Plan to Maximize Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My wife started her Social Security at 62 in March 2017 and I filed a Restricted Application to collect a spouse benefit from her shortly thereafter. Our plan is for me to file for my own Social Security…
Ask Rusty – Is Taxing Social Security Fair?
Dear Rusty: Taxing Social Security benefits isn’t fair. It would benefit everyone if seniors could earn as much as possible without having their Social Security taxed. We would still be paying into Social Security which would help the fund. I…
Ask Rusty – About the Basics of Applying for Social Security
Dear Rusty: I am planning to apply for Social Security in May of 2022 and would like to understand how to file. I will be taking it when I am 62. Signed: Ready to Retire Dear Ready to Retire: Congratulations…
Ask Rusty – If I Die, What Happens to the Social Security Taxes I Paid?
Dear Rusty: I have heard that when my wife and I pass, the government keeps all we have paid into social security. Is this correct? Signed: Curious Senior Dear Curious: The Social Security taxes paid while you and your wife…
Ask Rusty – Will My Social Security Be Reduced in the Future?
Dear Rusty: I started Social Security about 2 years ago and I thought that the monthly benefit amount stated to me by Social Security in their letter was guaranteed. That written amount was what I based my decision on to…
Ask Rusty – Is My COLA Increase Based on My Current SS Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I started collecting SS when I turned 70 to maximize my income. One factor that is never mentioned is that the annual cost of living increase appears to be based on the previous year’s payment. I’ve talked to…