Russell “Rusty” Gloor answers AMAC member questions on claiming strategy, spousal benefits, COLA, Medicare, and more — in plain, practical language.
Real questions from AMAC members, answered in plain language by a certified advisor.
Did your loved one die mid-month? Learn why Social Security pays no benefits for the month of death, plus survivor benefit details.
Read the answer
Learn why Social Security delayed retirement credits aren't paid immediately after your FRA, and how SSA's rules affect your monthly benefits.
Read the answer
Veterans with VA healthcare turning 65 may still benefit from Medicare. Learn why enrolling matters, what it covers, and how to avoid costly penalties.
Read the answer
Did Congress steal Social Security money? Learn the truth about SS Trust Funds, government bonds, and why no benefits were ever taken.
Read the answer
Should your daughter claim widow's benefits at 62? Learn how the Annual Earnings Test and Social Security taxes could affect her decision.
Read the answer
Claiming Social Security in September instead of March leaves out the 5.3% in delayed credits earned in 2026 until January 2027, when the higher payment finally kicks in.
Read the answer297 questions answered · page 1 of 10
Turning 65 with creditable employer health coverage? You may defer Medicare enrollment penalty-free. Learn how Special Enrollment Periods and Part B rules work.
Is Social Security really a Ponzi scheme? AMAC explains why it's not and what the looming 2033 insolvency means for your benefits.
Social Security reserves may deplete by 2032, risking a 22% benefit cut. Learn what's happening and how AMAC is fighting for solvency.
A 2024 RMD that pushed a couple's income past $218,000 raised their 2026 Medicare premiums, but lower 2025 income corrects it automatically for 2027.
Worked unpaid for your ex-husband and have little Social Security? Learn how ex-spouse benefits and assistance programs could help boost your income.
Medicare Part B premiums aren't a percentage of Social Security. Learn how CMS sets premiums, plus the hold harmless provision and IRMAA rules.
Be aware that your wife's spousal SS benefit will be based on her age when she claims it, and half of your full retirement age, or "FRA," amount.
Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), which are earned when someone delays claiming until after their Social Security full retirement age, are applied only in January of each year.
If your spouse’s FRA entitlement is less than half of your FRA entitlement, your spouse will get a “spousal boost” to bring his monthly retirement payment up.
My husband is already taking his SS benefits, so I have also wondered if it be advisable to take spousal benefits or full benefits.
Whether your earnings while in the military would provide you with any additional Social Security benefit depends on your career earnings after leaving military service.
Assuming her life expectancy is at least average, that is how your wife would get the most cumulative Social Security benefits over her lifetime.
Regarding Social Security’s financial issues, three people contributing to Social Security for every one beneficiary sounds to me like a surplus.
The concept of a “minimum” Social Security benefit is not new and, indeed, already exists - but it is one which few beneficiaries qualify for.
Although we often see assertions that the so-called “one-time lump sum death benefit” is always paid, there are specific rules for when that admittedly small SS benefit is available.
Since Social Security does not pay benefits for partial months, you can file for your SS benefits to start effective with the month following the month in which your incarceration ends.
Help! SSA Says I’m Not Eligible for Benefits - Ask Rusty
It can get tricky if you are still working after claiming your Social Security before your full retirement age. I’m happy to answer your questions.
Although you contributed to SS since you started receiving SS benefits, those contributions do not affect your monthly SS benefit.
Deciding when to claim your Social Security benefit is a decision you should make only after careful consideration of your personal circumstances.
Would it be prudent to file for my own Social Security as soon as possible so that my benefit might be "grandfathered" in before any sudden and drastic cuts occur?
You don’t technically need to “set up” an online SSA account to enroll in Medicare, but it would be more efficient to do so.
A free webinar explains Social Security spousal benefits, helping couples understand eligibility and maximize monthly payments.
I will be 65 in October and I am working full-time. I heard I have to apply for Medicare Part A only. Is this true?
Rusty’s answers, out loud. Real member questions on claiming strategy, spousal and survivor benefits, COLA, and Medicare — answered in the same plain, practical language as the column.
Pick an episode from the list — it plays in the AMAC Radio player, so you can keep listening while you browse.
Get free Social Security guidance →
Pick an episode — it plays in AMAC Radio, so you can keep listening while you browse.
Page 1 of 7
Presented by the AMAC Foundation · A 501(c)(3) Organization
Have a Social Security question of your own? Send it in — Rusty may answer it in an upcoming column. Please include your age and state so the guidance fits your situation.
Thanks — Rusty may answer your question in an upcoming column. Keep an eye on this page.
Trusted, up-to-date coverage and help beyond the Q&A column.
Daily coverage of SSA news, COLA updates, and claiming strategy from AMAC Newsline.
Read the latest
Medicare enrollment, coverage options, and health-policy news that affects your benefits.
Explore Medicare
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a certified Social Security advisor.
Schedule nowGet personalized guidance on your own Social Security decision — no cost, no pressure.
The latest Q&A, plus Social Security and Medicare updates that affect your benefits — delivered weekly.
You're subscribed! Watch your inbox for Rusty's latest Social Security Q&A each week.
Certified Social Security Advisor (NSSA) · AMAC Foundation
Rusty answers AMAC member questions about Social Security claiming strategy, spousal and survivor benefits, COLA, and Medicare enrollment — translating complex rules into plain, practical guidance.
His column has grown to hundreds of answered questions, and every reader can submit their own. For personalized help, the AMAC Foundation also offers a free, no-obligation Social Security consultation.
