Q & A
Ask Rusty – Older Father Seeks Benefits for Young Children and Wife
Dear Rusty: I was 62 in February and my 44-year-old wife and I have 3 young daughters ages 5, 7 and 13. My 2019 income via wages will be about $98,000. My wife does not work outside our home. In…
Ask Rusty – Worker Received Overpayment Notice from Social Security
Dear Rusty: I have a problem with Social Security. They told me if I went over the annual earned income limit they would withhold $1 for every $2 I went over. But they did not tell me about the monthly…
Ask Rusty – What Social Security Benefit Will My Wife Get If I Die?
Dear Rusty: I am 69 and have been holding off on collecting my Social Security payment until I’m 70 on the assumption that my wife would collect my benefit if I died first. My thought was that she would collect…
Ask Rusty – Is Social Security based on Last 3 years of Work?
Dear Rusty: I have heard many times that what is earned the last 3 years you work before drawing Social Security benefits determines what your benefit dollar amount will be. Is this true? If not, what determines your benefit dollar…
Ask Rusty – Mother Seeking SSI Benefits for Disabled Child
Dear Rusty: My young daughter is disabled, and I am trying to make ends meet financially. Can you help with a child’s SSI claim? Signed: Needy Mother Dear Needy Mother: “SSI”, or “Supplemental Security Income”, is a Federal benefit program…
Ask Rusty: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Affects State Retiree
Dear Rusty: I have a question in regard to the “windfall act.” I am receiving a pension from the State of Nevada. I retired from the State, and did not pay into Social Security, but I worked in the private…
Ask Rusty – Married Couple confused about Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: We are a little confused about husband and wife Social Security benefits. I am 63 years old (born 1955) and still employed full-time. My wife turns 60 this month. She is retired military and has been working in…
Ask Rusty – Widow Asks About Survivor Benefits
Dear Rusty: My husband passed away 7 years ago at the age of 64, at which time he was receiving SS Disability. I was 58 at the time he passed and could not apply for his Social Security. I was…
Ask Rusty – Social Security’s “First Year” Rule
Dear Rusty: I’ve been trying to determine the best way to proceed with retirement and could use some help. I’d like to retire on or about my 62nd birthday this September. Waiting for “full retirement” does not motivate as I…
Ask Rusty – Increasing your Social Security Benefit Amount
Dear Rusty: I turned 67 in September 2018. My benefit estimate is $1478 a month if I claim benefits now. I work and will continue working as long as I can. My 35-year earnings period includes about ten years of…