News
Ask Rusty " I'm being released from incarceration. What are my SS options?
5+ hour, 40+ min ago (225+ words) Assuming (from what you shared) that you expect to be released from incarceration in the fall of 2029, you can apply for your SS benefits to start upon your release. Be aware, however, that it usually takes several months for your…...
Help! SSA Says I'm not eligible for benefits
1+ week, 6+ hour ago (306+ words) Great Bend Tribune Dear Rusty: Help! The Social Security Administration says I didn't pay enough into my Social Security account, despite being a business owner and paying taxes. What can I do? Signed: Self-employed American Dear Self-employed: For all potential…...
Senior travel discount: Save on your trip
2+ week, 6+ hour ago (582+ words) My husband and I are retiring later this year and hope to travel more while we're still healthy and active. Our budget will be tighter, so every dollar counts. Are there worthwhile senior travel discounts you can tell us about,…...
About Social Security's "First Year Rule" and withdrawing from SS
2+ week, 1+ day ago (186+ words) Dear Rusty: I am 63 years old, and about to apply for my Social Security benefits. I am self-employed but only working part time. I know about Social Security's annual earnings limit but recently I learned I must also be concerned…...
Ask Rusty - Must I set up a Social Security account to enroll in Medicare?
1+ mon, 1+ week ago (485+ words) Great Bend Tribune Dear Rusty: I turn 65 this November 2026. Someone told me I need to set up a Social Security account at least 3 months ahead of time before applying for Medicare for the first time. I do not intend to…...
Ask Rusty " If either of us die, will the other get a Social Security Survivor Benefit?
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (344+ words) Great Bend Tribune Legal Terms and Privacy Dear Rusty: I am 79. My husband is also 79 and we both receive Social Security benefits. We were both married before, and we married each other at the age of 58. Am I to understand…...
Ask Rusty " I'll be 65 soon and am working. Must I enroll in Medicare?
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (282+ words) There are two things you should be aware of: 1. You do not need to claim Social Security benefits when you enroll in Medicare 2. You do not need to enroll in Medicare at age 65 if you have "creditable" health-care coverage from…...
Ask Rusty " I'll be 70 on New Year's Day. When should I apply for Social Security?
2+ mon, 2+ day ago (462+ words) Dear Rusty: I was born on Jan. 1, 1958, so I believe Social Security considers me to be 70 as of December 2027. I'm planning on filing when I turn 70 to maximize the payment. I'm not sure if I should start in December, with…...
Ask Rusty " Help! Social Security reduced my monthly payment
2+ mon, 1+ week ago (832+ words) Dear Rusty: My last Social Security payment decreased by about $400, so I went to my online SS account and found a November 2025 letter explaining that my 2024 tax return showed a greatly enlarged AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). Thus, SSA decided to…...