Q & A
Ask Rusty – Can My Husband use the “Restricted Application?”
Dear Rusty: My question is about the “restricted application for spousal benefits only” I saw referenced in an article. I will turn 66 in February and have applied for my “full retirement benefit” and will continue to work full time.…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security At 63?
Dear Rusty: I’m 63 years old. What are the benefits or negatives of retiring now? How do I begin the process? Signed: Tired of Working Dear Tired: Your first question is quite open-ended, but I can give you the basics.…
Ask Rusty – Will Foreign Earnings Count toward my U.S. Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am looking for advice on how our recent decision to take up work in the United Kingdom will affect our U.S. Social Security benefits. I want to understand whether we need to be prepared for a loss…
Ask Rusty – How Can We Change Social Security’s Earnings Limit?
Dear Rusty: How do we change the Social Security earnings cap amount? Do I need to go through my Congressman? Social Security is withholding my benefit because they say I earned too much. The system is very unfair! Signed: Disgruntled…
Ask Rusty – Retired Public Servant Surprised by “WEP”
Dear Rusty: I turned 62 in October 2018. A few months prior to my birth month, I went on the Social Security website which said my estimated benefits would be between $900-$1000 at full retirement age and between $600-$700 at…
Ask Rusty – Can I Increase My Benefit by Withdrawing from Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’m 67 and have been collecting Social Security for a couple of years now but I want to increase my benefit. Will you please explain what Social Security’s Form SSA-521 is for? Would it benefit me as a…
Ask Rusty – Does Paying Social Security Payroll Tax Increase my Benefit?
Dear Rusty: After losing my job of 31 years in 2013 at 63 years of age, I decided to start drawing my Social Security benefits. In 2015 I started a part time job, which I still have. In January 2020…
Ask Rusty – Using a Restricted Application to Maximize Benefits
Dear Rusty: I was born on 1/14/1953, and my wife was born on 6/27/1954. I will have the largest Social Security benefit by 2 or 3 to one. She has been retired for a year or so, but I am…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Benefits at Age 67 if I’m working?
Dear Rusty: My wife and I were talking to some other senior citizens who say it would be more beneficial to start drawing social security when I turn 67 next year, rather than wait till 70, even if I work…
Ask Rusty – How Does My Husband’s Federal Pension Affect Benefits?
Dear Rusty: My husband retired at his full retirement age of 66. He qualified for Social Security but also qualified for Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Being so, he falls under the Windfall Offset Provision, and subsequently had his Social…