Ask Rusty
Ask 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…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – How Do I Withdraw My Application for Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I will be 67 next month and reached my full retirement age in July 2022. My wife and I are discussing whether we should take Social Security now or wait until we are age 70 to get a higher benefit. I remember reading that you can start Social Security and, if not needed,…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Cutting Social Security Will Make Me Lose My Home!
Dear Rusty: Politicians are talking about taking money from Social Security, but I need that money to support my daughter and pay for my home. I’m a widow, and my husband passed in 2017. I’ll lose my home if my Social Security benefits are cut. Please help. Signed: Widowed Senior Dear Widowed Senior: Despite what…
Read MoreAsk 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 – you must contact Social Security directly to apply. You can call 1.800.772.1213 or call your…
Read MoreAsk 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? Some have worked as paid graduate assistants, but others have not worked while going to…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – I’m Working; Why Hasn’t My Social Security Benefit Increased?
Dear Rusty: I will be 72 in July. I started taking my Social Security at age 64 after a job loss and other items that came up. So, my plan to wait past 68 evaporated, but I have continued to work since that time at a considerably smaller amount. I have contacted Social Security about…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – About Payroll Tax and Income Tax on Social Security
Dear Rusty: Is it possible for you to go over how the Federal withholding tax is computed on Social Security benefits? Signed: Curious Taxpayer. Dear Curious: I’m not sure if you’re asking about how FICA (or self-employment) tax on your earnings from work is determined, or if you’re asking about how much income tax to…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Please Help Us With Social Security Planning
Dear Rusty: Would you please advise on my wife and my Social Security planning? I’m 69 & 2 months, my wife is 66 & 2 months, so we both hit full retirement age. We both plan on starting to take SS next month. My benefit would be about $3,300 per month, and my wife’s benefit…
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