Q & A
Ask Rusty – We took benefits early; can we get more now?
Dear Rusty: My birth date is 1947. My wife is 1950. We both took our Social Security years ago at age 62 due to health concerns because we questioned if we would live to age 78 to equalize the extra payout…
Ask Rusty – When Should I Claim My Widow’s Benefit?
Dear Rusty: My husband passed away at the age of 52, and I was 53. I am currently 59. I’ve read about and been encouraged to file for widow’s benefits from Social Security when I turn 60. My question is:…
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…