Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 104
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 even BE Social Security benefits for folks in my age bracket? Should I think about starting Social Security benefits as soon as I am eligible? I am employed; however, I don't have a large amount of savings. I contribute to my company's...
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 me. That took me over a week, and many applications and rejects, to get through. The last step was holding up my Social Security card and my driver's license on a Zoom call to an ID.me representative. I found this very...
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 years old. I only worked 4 weeks in 2022 before retiring, but my income ended up being far more than expected. I got 5 weeks' vacation pay and a retroactive check from an overdue labor contract. I also got hazard pay and a...
Ask Rusty – Can I Get Survivor Benefits While Still Working? Dear Rusty: I lost my wife several years ago and I qualified for Social Security Spousal benefits. Unfortunately, because of my income, I have not been able to take advantage of this benefit. I am currently 64 and still working. I believe I have until the age of 70 to receive this. Is there any way to claim any of this before I start taking my Social Security in a couple of years? Signed: Working Widower Dear Working Widower: Your...
Ask Rusty – Retired Federal Employee Has Small Social Security Benefit Dear Rusty: When I started getting Social Security at 62, I was told by the SS office I would get a smaller monthly amount because I worked for the Federal Government and received a Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) pension. I paid into Social Security for about 20 years working outside the government, and I now receive only about $280 a month in Social Security. It just seems like I should be getting more. How can I...
Ask Rusty – Can A Working Widow Collect Survivor Benefits? Dear Rusty: I'm 63 and still employed. My husband passed away 7 years ago at the age of 58. Am I able to collect my husband's Social Security while I'm still working? Signed: Working Widow Dear Working Widow: Technically at age 63 you're eligible to collect a survivor benefit from your husband but, since you're working, we need to dig a bit deeper. Any time benefits are taken before reaching full retirement age, Social Security's earni...
Ask Rusty – For Some Simple Guidance About Medicare Dear Rusty: I'm nearing 68 years old, have never signed up for Medicare but thinking that I should look into it. I'm currently covered by my wife's health insurance through her employer. I would greatly appreciate some simple guidance regarding Medicare. I've tried watching some videos about the subject, but it was always so boring that I never finished watching. I get lost in all the Part This & Part That. I would just like some solid...
Ask Rusty – How Do I Avoid Pitfalls and Get Maximum Social Security? Dear Rusty: I turned 70 in June of this year and want to start receiving benefits. I am currently working full time as well. I want to set things up and get started in the most advantageous way so that my benefit is maximized even when I stop working. What are your recommendations for me to intelligently start the process and avoid any pitfalls? Signed: Ready to Claim Dear Ready to Claim: Since you are past 70 years of age,...
Ask Rusty – When Is My Wife Eligible for Full Survivor Benefits? Dear Rusty: I heard my spouse will get 100% of my Social Security when I pass if she is at her full retirement age (FRA), which is 66 years and 8 months. But I also heard that full widow benefits for those born in 1958 are available at 66 years and 4 months. Which is correct? Then I heard that her getting 100% of my social security is NOT the case because I started social security at 70. I heard this is because widow benefits...
Ask Rusty – How Do I Get My Social Security As Soon As Possible? Dear Rusty: I am a few weeks away from my 61st birthday in November 2022. I was wondering how far in advance of my 62nd birthday next year should I file my Social Security benefits paperwork in order to get my first check the same month I turn 62? I usually work a part time job during the winter months - but that job fell through this fall 2022. So, I do not want to waste any time getting that first check arriving the minute I...
Ask Rusty – How Do I Handle an Overpayment Notice from Social Security? Dear Rusty: Things have gone good for me until now. I got a job and have enjoyed going back to work after being retired. But I just got some bad news - a letter from Social Security saying I owe them $17,000 because when I went back to work, I earned more than allowed in 2021. They never mentioned that I told them I was going back to work! They now say they can't pay me benefits in 2022 because I am working. Good job SSA,...
Ask Rusty – Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits Dear Rusty: I am a military veteran with a total & permanent disability. I was married for over ten years to a military man who has since honorably separated from military service. I was originally on Social Security disability, which automatically converted to regular Social Security retirement benefits when I turned 65 -- with the amount remaining at the "disabled" level instead of the "regular" rate based on my Social...
Ask Rusty – About the "Restricted Application for Spousal Benefits Only" Dear Rusty: You wrote an article about a man who was collecting spouse benefits but was applying for his own benefit at age 70, under an old law. What are the circumstances surrounding that gentleman's ability to collect spousal benefits? Why was he eligible? And was he working clear up into the age of 70 before applying for his own Social Security? Signed: An Inquiring Mind Dear Inquiring Mind: The "old law," under...
Ask Rusty – Younger Widow Asks About Collecting Survivor Benefits Dear Rusty: My husband died several years ago in 2019. It is my understanding that I should be receiving some portion of his Social Security payments. However, when I called to notify Social Security that he passed, they told me not to touch his last check because it would be taken back. I was 8 years younger than my husband, so I am still only 58. I also have always made more income than he did. How do I find out if there is...
Ask Rusty – Can My Wife Claim a Spouse Benefit First? Dear Rusty: I have been getting Social Security since age 66. My wife turned 62 in June. We are thinking of taking her spouse benefits on my record since it would be higher than hers (we checked online). We began filling out the application but do not see a way to let them know we want her to receive spouse benefits and not her own. How do we do that? Signed: Trying to Apply Dear Trying: You don't see that option because your wife doesn't h...
Ask Rusty – What Are My Wife's Benefits While I'm Living and as My Widow? Dear Rusty: I will be 70 in January and my wife will be 65 in February, at which time we will both go on Medicare. I am currently working, and my approximate Social Security benefit will be around $2,900. My wife was a stay-at-home mom and, therefore, has minimal Social Security benefits on her own. At 65 she is eligible for $870 and at full retirement age will qualify for $990. A few questions: if she starts to draw ben...
Ask Rusty – I'm 78 and Still Working; Should I Apply for Social Security? Dear Rusty: I am 78, still working, have a good healthcare plan and I make a nice salary. Can I still get my Social Security check since I paid into it all these years? Signed: Still Working in My 70s Dear Still Working: You not only can get your Social Security check now, I recommend you apply for it as soon as possible. Regardless of your current earnings, you'll not suffer any penalty because you are still working....
Ask Rusty – What Do My Wife, and my Ex-wife, Get If I Die? Dear Rusty: I am a 77 year old married male. I am retired and started drawing Social Security at age 66, and my monthly amount is a little over $3,000. My present wife is 52 and employed, and we have been married for 22 years. I also have an ex-wife who is 85, not married, and drawing Social Security. My ex-wife and I were married 13 years. When I am deceased, what happens to my Social Security benefits? When my present wife decides...
Ask Rusty – About Working While Collecting Early Benefits Dear Rusty: How much would be withheld from my social security benefits? I am 62 and can claim about $1,900 a month now. I'm still working, making about $75K per year. How much of my benefits would I get? What would be withheld from me and when would I get it back? And would there be any penalty? Signed: Eligible but Working Dear Eligible: In the scenario you describe, you will not be eligible to collect Social Security retirement...
Ask Rusty – I'm Getting Spouse Benefits – What Happens to My Own? Dear Rusty: I was born in late 1951. When I retired 5 years ago, I was made aware that my own Social Security benefit was less than half of my husband's SS Benefit. So, I chose to take half of his. What happens to my undispensed SS dollars? On the off chance the balance increases beyond the amount I am now collecting, can I eventually switch to my own full SS amount? Signed: Curious Senior Dear Curious Senior: Much depends on...
Ask Rusty – Can My In-laws Get Supplemental Security Income? Dear Rusty: I am wondering what the income limit is for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility. My in-laws are in their 70's. both drawing Social Security, and each has a pension from jobs they retired from. I am wondering if they are eligible to collect SSI. They have income from all sources that is over $2100 per month, they are on Medicaid, but they have no savings and few assets. I have been told by a random family...
Ask Rusty – Must I Pay Income Tax on Social Security Benefits? Dear Rusty: I do not recall the rules on my income tax obligation for Social Security benefits. Can you please explain these rules to me? Signed: Senior Taxpayer Dear Senior Taxpayer: I'll be happy to review the rules about income tax on Social Security benefits for you. If your combined income from all sources is low enough, your Social Security benefits aren't subject to being taxed by the IRS. But some of your Social Security...
Ask Rusty – Will My Husband's Benefits Continue After He Dies? Dear Rusty: My husband is 65 and I am 55. He has recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. My question is, will I continue receiving his full social security check every month after his passing? Will the amount decrease? Signed: Tearful Wife Dear Tearful Wife: So sorry to hear of your husband's condition. If he is now receiving Social Security benefits, when he passes your husband's Social Security payments will stop. You...
Ask Rusty – Can a Widower Get Full Survivor Benefits Early? Dear Rusty: My wife passed from COVID-related heart disease in 2020, just short of her 65th birthday. I will be 66 in May 2023. Do I have any recourse for a part of her benefit? Online at ssa.gov it says I can retire 4 months early due to her passing. Is that true? I'm confused on these issues. Signed: Confused Widower Dear Confused: Our condolences on the untimely loss of your wife. To answer your question, you are already eligible...
Ask 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 increasing my "entitlement" since my earnings of late are considerably more than my first few years of earnings. Using the formula of the...
