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I'll Tell You What’s Right With Social Security!

I'll Tell You What’s Right With Social Security!
There are a whole slew of reasons why some women don't work outside the home, and the law has always said these women are entitled to spousal benefits on a husband's Social Security account. Syda Productions/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
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I get a lot of emails from readers that start with some version of the phrase: “I'll tell you what’s wrong with Social Security!” And then they go off on a little bit of a rant, almost always citing some misinterpretation of Social Security laws.

In the past, I’ve written a similar column with all the rants coming from men who were usually griping about some misunderstood issues involving the politics of Social Security. However, today’s questions all come from women with some misplaced gripes about Social Security benefits for their spouses. In each case, I will set the record straight and explain what is right with Social Security.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]
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