Q & A
Ask Rusty – Why Won’t Social Security Give Me My Widow’s Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I have been a widow since November 2019. I retired under the Federal Civil Service Retirement System. Before my husband died, I made an appointment with Social Security to see if I could receive his Social Security if…
Ask Rusty – Should My Wife Claim at 62? Will She Get Widow Benefit?
Dear Rusty: I am almost 64 and still working, and I plan to work until about 66 or 67. My wife is 62. Should she go ahead and file for her Social Security? Is it true that she can draw…
Ask Rusty – Widow Unsure About Her Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am looking for information on my Social Security survivor benefits from my husband. I just turned 65 and have been collecting my Social Security widow’s benefit since I was 60. Someone told me that I should take…
Ask Rusty – About Special Extra Earnings for Military Service
Dear Rusty: How do I find out if I get any extra earnings for my military service of 28 years (Navy, 1982-2011), when I begin collecting my full Social Security retirement benefit next year (in July 2021)? Signed: Retired Veteran…
Ask Rusty – SSDI Denied; Will Claiming Early Hurt Spouse or Survivor Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and was denied. So, because I turn 62 this month, I plan to file for my early SS retirement benefits. Since I’ve not worked a lot due to health…
Ask Rusty – When Should We Claim Our Benefits?
Dear Rusty: We served overseas for several years, not earning many quarters for Social Security. However, we have made sure that we paid in over time so we can receive a benefit, but it will not amount to much. For…
Ask Rusty – Are Social Security and Medicare Running Out of Money?
Dear Rusty: I have been hearing reports that Social Security and Medicare will run out of money by 2035 and will only pay approximately 75% of benefits. First, is that true about Social Security? And second, will they reduce benefits…
Ask Rusty – What will my Wife’s Survivor Benefit Be?
Dear Rusty: I am a 68-year-old retired male and had planned on waiting to collect Social Security benefits beginning at age 70. My wife is currently 53 years old. When I die, would my wife’s spousal benefit at her full…
Ask Rusty – About the “Earnings Test” and “Registering” with Social Security
Dear Rusty: Does tax filing status matter when calculating how much you can earn without a reduction in your monthly SS payout? My wife and I have filed a joint income tax return for years. My wife is working and…
Ask Rusty – Husband Confused About Spouse Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am 65 and still working and plan to work for some time to come. My birthdate is February 1955. My wife is 64 and not working. Her birthdate is January 1956. Half of my benefit is more…