Q & A
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…
Ask Rusty – What should I know about Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’m 59 years old. When do I need to start looking at what’s available for me – when I start getting closer to age 65? Signed: Planning Ahead Dear Planning Ahead: Kudos to you for thinking about Social…
Ask Rusty – Income Tax on Social Security vs. the Earnings Test
Dear Rusty: I retired from work this year (age 62) and I will receive my first social security benefits in September. Is there a special rule for the first year you retire that allows you to not pay taxes on…
Ask Rusty – Understanding the Family Maximum
Dear Rusty: My husband passed away when our children were 3 and 5 years old. I received benefits for myself, our two children and my 14-year-old son from a previous relationship. When my 14-year-old son turned 18, the amount he…