Q & A

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…

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…

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