Q & A
Ask Rusty – What’s the Best Way to Start Receiving My Survivor Benefit?
Dear Rusty: When one becomes a widow/widower, what is the most efficient way to start receiving the deceased’s monthly Social Security. Signed: Still Grieving Dear Still Grieving: There is really only one way to start receiving surviving spouse benefits –…
Ask Rusty – Can International College Students Get Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: We have hosted international college students for years, all of whom needed to apply for a Social Security Number upon arrival in the United States. Would these students be entitled to some Social Security funds at some point?…
Ask Rusty – About Social Security’s “First Year Rule”
Dear Rusty: I’m considering filing for my SS at age 64 in February, before my full retirement age of 66 years and 10 months. I’m working full time and would like to continue earning until I meet the $21,240 limit…
Ask Rusty – Canadian Expat Angry About His Reduced U.S. Social Security
Dear Rusty: I am a 62-year old Canadian expat who has lived in the U.S. for the last 30-years. I worked in both Canada and the U.S. throughout my career. I came to this country, worked hard and contributed faithfully…
Ask Rusty – Will Social Security Be There for Me?
Dear Rusty: I am 56 and hope to hold out to get maximum Social Security at age 70. However, with all of the talk of Social Security funds being depleted, is it wise to continue with this mindset? Will there…
Ask Rusty – About Difficulty with Social Security’s Sign-in Process
Dear Rusty: Last month I tried to contact Social Security who never picked up a phone on their end. The same with the IRS. When I finally got through, they said I had to join ID.me before they could help…
Ask Rusty – What Counts for Social Security’s Earnings Limit?
Dear Rusty: I retired on February 1st of this year (2022). I collect a pension from my employer plus a union pension, as well as Social Security, all of which started in February 2022. I am married and I’m 65…
Ask Rusty – Will My Work Earnings Affect My Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I am presently 67 years of age and am still working full time. I am receiving Medicare coverage, but I have not yet applied for monthly Social Security payments. I have been told that I can take SS…
Ask Rusty – Will the Family Maximum Limit My Benefits?
Dear Rusty: I have a question about the family maximum SS retirement benefit. As I understand it, if the breadwinner is drawing retirement benefits or is deceased, the family maximum is calculated from a formula that yields a figure between…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security Now?
Dear Rusty: I am 68 years old, born in July 1954. I have the credits necessary to qualify for benefits. The Social Security website says that if I continue to work to age 70 with yearly earnings of $206,000, my…