Ask Rusty
Ask 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 MoreAsk Rusty – What Can I Earn in My First Year Collecting Social Security?
Dear Rusty: My 62nd birthday is in late August of this year. I would like to start collecting Social Security, but after reading about the need to keep my earnings less than $21,240 in the first year it doesn’t seem fair to those who have birthdays later in the year. I will have earned a…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Retired Public Servant Feels Government Pension Offset is “Unjust”
Dear Rusty: I’m a retired firefighter and live in Ohio. I earned Social Security from my side employment, but the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) hit my Social Security very hard. My wife worked in the school system and earned a state “SERS” pension. I understand the WEP offset and that doesn’t bother me as much…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Why Should a Non-working Spouse be Entitled to Social Security Benefits?
Dear Rusty: Why can a non-working spouse claim half of their working spouse’s benefit even though they have not contributed to the Social Security system? This doesn’t seem right or fair to those of us who have contributed for years from our paychecks. Signed: Inquisitive Dear Inquisitive: This is a question which needs a bit…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Widow Stung by Social Security’s “Claw Back” Rule
Dear Rusty: My husband of 48 years died on December 30th, and he received a Social Security direct deposit for December’s benefits in early January, but Social Security demanded the bank return his December payment. I used part of his December benefits to pay for household expenses, so his bank account was overdrawn after his…
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