Ask Rusty
Ask Rusty – My State Pension Eliminated My Social Security Survivor Benefit
Dear Rusty: My husband of 21 years died in January 2022 at the age of 70. We were both retired at the time of his death, and they immediately stopped his Social Security payments. After many calls to Social Security asking why I was not receiving his benefits, I was finally told since I have…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Why Can’t I Collect Survivor Benefits From My Deceased Wife?
Dear Rusty: I am a 62 year old widower that is still working full time. While my late spouse was in hospice, I was able to get her to apply for Social Security disability and she received one payment before she passed away two years ago. I was told that I could collect a survivor…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – About Income Tax On Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: I just started receiving my Social Security in February of 2023. I am also working part time at a company 24 hours a week. My question is… I feel like I missed something when I signed up for Social Security because they are not taking any taxes out. What did I miss? How…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Working Widow Seeks To Maximize Social Security Benefits
Dear Rusty: I was widowed years ago and, when I approached age 60, I looked into Social Security survivor benefits based on my late husband’s record. He started receiving Social Security shortly before he died at $1,200 per month. My income at age 60 was $42,000 and, since Social Security would keep $1 for every…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Will Work Earnings Affect My Social Security At Age 80?
Dear Rusty: I am 80 years old, and I receive monthly Social Security benefits, but I’m thinking about returning to work. At this age, am I limited in how much income I generate without affecting my benefit? If so, how much can I earn without affecting it? Signed: Spry Octogenarian. Dear Spry Octogenarian: Since you…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – What If I Delay But Die Before Claiming Social Security?
Dear Rusty: Hypothetically, if I plan to sign up for Social Security at 70 and pass away before that, I will get nothing. My spouse would still get a boost in the amount she receives because I made more, but everything I put into the program vanishes. I haven’t reached my full retirement age yet…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – I’m Concerned About Social Security Solvency
Dear Rusty: I retired at age 58. My husband and I worked 40 years of employment each. I had a 401K only…no other benefits. We saved, we invested through our financial advisor and have done okay watching our investments grow (except for the last 3 years). Neither my husband nor I have taken Social Security;…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Should Octogenarians Tell Social Security They Married?
Dear Rusty: We were married two years ago at age 78 and 81. Do we need to do anything with Social Security? Signed: Blissfully Happy Dear Blissfully Happy: Congratulations on your fairly recent marriage and, yes, there are some things you should do. Specifically, you should contact Social Security to inform them of your marriage,…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – About “Survivor” Benefits Vs. “Spousal” Benefits
Dear Rusty: I will be 70 in August and will file my application for benefits in May. I know I’ll get my maximum possible amount at age 70, but I need you to clarify things I have read. Per an award-winning TV host, author, and host of a money podcast “if the higher-earning spouse delays…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Why Can’t I Get Social Security Disability On My Own Or My Husband’s Record?
Dear Rusty: I am considered disabled by State of Washington doctors, but Social Security has turned me down three times when I applied for disability saying I don’t have enough work points. I am the wife of a retired, disabled veteran who served over 20 years in the US Navy. I raised three children, one…
Read More