Q & A
Ask Rusty – I’m Still Working; Why Didn’t my Benefit Amount Increase?
Dear Rusty: I have been working somewhat consistently since commencing my Social Security benefit income. I’ve been collecting since my full benefit age of 66, approximately. I’m now 81, and customarily, in about October of each calendar year, Social Security…
Ask Rusty – Why is my Social Security Retirement Benefit So Small?
Dear Rusty: Can you help me understand? I have paid into Social Security since I started working in 1978. I did have a lot of tax deductions, but I don’t understand why I only receive $350 a month from Social…
Ask Rusty – Am I Entitled to More Social Security as a Veteran?
Dear Rusty: I served in the U.S. Army from July 1964 to July 1967. Am I eligible for a higher Social Security payment? Thank you. Signed: Vietnam Era Army Vet Dear Army Vet: Please accept my sincere thanks for your…
Ask Rusty – About Claiming Social Security Early and Investing It
Dear Rusty: I am a 63-year-old single lady, and I have questions regarding Social Security “early retirement,” though I will still be working full time. I know there is a maximum allowable income limit and, if I exceed that, I…
Ask Rusty – I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?
Dear Rusty: After 16 years of marriage, we were divorced. I have never remarried, but he has. When he starts collecting Social Security (he is 64 now and still working), is it true that I can claim ex-spousal benefits or does…
Ask Rusty – Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately?
Dear Rusty: A friend told me about what he believes is a strange thing in the Social Security system. His wife reached her full retirement age (FRA) of 66 several years ago. She delayed filing for Social Security past her…
Ask Rusty – My Wife Believes She Can Get a Spouse Benefit While I’m Still Alive; Can She?
Dear Rusty: A friend of my wife told her, and she believes, she could receive a Social Security benefit based on my SS benefit that I’m currently receiving while I’m still alive. I told her she could only receive spouse…
Ask Rusty – I’m on SS Disability; Should I Switch to Regular Social Security?
Dear Rusty: Should I take my Social Security now at age 62, or wait till I am 65? I’ve been collecting SS disability due to health issues and was curious if I should wait or claim my regular Social Security…
Ask Rusty – Why Won’t Social Security Give me my Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I called the Social Security office, as well as went with my husband when he went to collect his Social Security. Because I work full-time (at about $800/week), they said I could not file for my Social Security.…
Ask Rusty – About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse
Dear Rusty: I am almost 57, divorced after a 14-year marriage. My former spouse is 15 years older than I and made significantly more money than me. I am required to retire from my job at age 60 but expect…