Ask Rusty

Dear Rusty: I was referred to you to ask a question about Social Security benefits. I receive about $1,700 a month from Social Security while my husband receives only approximately $750 monthly. Is he entitled to file for half of my Social Security as a monthly benefit without touching my amount? Signed: Curious Wife  Dear…

Like to Retire Early, But Don’t Want SS Reduced Dear Rusty: I will be 65 this year and my husband is 72 (he retired in 2019 at age 66). I would like to retire and enjoy some time with him before he gets too much older. I do not want to have my benefits cut…

Dear Rusty: I plan to stop working very soon. My health is not good. I am 66 years old, born in June 1959, so my full retirement age is 66 years and 10 months. My wife passed away in March 2024, and she was collecting SS benefits when she died. I have no dependent children.…

Dear Rusty: I’m ready to apply for my Social Security benefits, and I’m aware of how my benefits are calculated. What I would like to know about is how the application process actually works and how my benefits are received. Signed: Ready to Collect  Dear Ready to Collect: Essentially, you have two main options for applying for Social Security…

Dear Rusty: I’m 64 and still working full time, and plan to continue working at least until I’m 70 ~ it’s a good job, and I enjoy it. My job comes with health insurance, so I don’t really need additional coverage, but I understand I will be required to sign up for Medicare Part A…

Dear Rusty: I’m 64 and my wife is 62. If my wife starts her own benefit now, she will get about $700 on her own at 62. I will retire next year and claim Social Security when I am 65. SSA says my wife can draw $1,100 under spousal benefits, so if she claims now will…

Dear Rusty: I am currently receiving Social Security benefits while continuing to work full time. There are no restrictions on my wage earnings because I waited until full retirement age before beginning benefits. However, I was also told that my benefit amount would be reviewed each year if my current earnings were higher than past…

Dear Rusty: I have a very simple question: I will turn 70 on September 20th and want to start my Social Security benefits in September. What month should I file my claim? Have there been delays with the reductions in SSA staff? Thank you for your help. Signed: Ready to Claim.  Dear Ready to Claim: Social Security…

Dear Rusty: I am curious about the “formula” to decide when to take Social Security while still working. I am past the Full Retirement Age. How do you best address such? Should we schedule a call? Signed: Wondering When Dear Wondering: Well, you can always contact us by phone on 1.888.750.2622 to speak to one…

Dear Rusty: I am curious about the “formula” to decide when to take Social Security while still working. I am past the Full Retirement Age. How do you best address such? Should we schedule a call? Signed: Wondering When   Dear Wondering: Well, you can always contact us by phone on 1.888.750.2622 to speak to…