Q & A
Ask Rusty – Confused about Working, Medicare and Spouse Benefits
Dear Rusty: I will reach my full retirement age (FRA) in September of 2020 at age 66. My wife will be 64 at that time and will start drawing her SS at 1/2 of my benefit because it will be…
Ask Rusty – Couple with Age Difference Planning Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am nearing my full retirement age of 66 and given the differences in age of my wife and I, and the retirement benefits we will each receive; I was wondering what the best options are for us…
Ask Rusty – Computing Benefits When “WEP” Applies
Dear Rusty: My wife is subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and I’m trying to calculate what her monthly Social Security payment might be. The circular provided by SS says that her earnings will be calculated by multiplying the…
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…