Q: My husband died after filing for his Social Security benefit at age 70. I also applied for my benefit at 70. His benefit exceeded mine. When I applied for a survivor benefit, the Social Security representative told me I was only entitled to my husband’s benefit at his full retirement age, or to my age 70 benefit, whichever was higher. Is that correct? Your articles suggest otherwise. I thought I was entitled to his age 70 benefit if it exceeded mine.

A: The reader who sent this question to me is correct. I recommended that she contact Social Security again and ask to speak with a supervisor. She followed my advice and finally was able to speak with someone who knew the correct information. She was promised over $10,000 in back payments, and an additional $300 per month going forward.

Q: I filed for my Social Security benefit prior to reaching my full retirement age. I have now reached my full retirement age. I have been told if I suspend my benefit and wait until age 70, I can increase my benefit by 8% per year. Is that right?

A: It is true that after you reach your FRA, you can suspend your benefit and receive a bump-up in your benefit at the rate of 8% for every year you wait to reapply. But the increase is not based on the benefit you would have received at full retirement age. The 8% increase per year will be based on the discounted benefit you are receiving now. There are other factors to consider. Your spouse would not be eligible for a spousal benefit if you suspend your benefits. If she is receiving a spousal benefit now, that would stop until you resume your benefit.

Another factor is Medicare premiums. If you are enrolled in Medicare, your premiums are now being paid from your Social Security benefit. If you suspend your benefit, you will have to submit Medicare premiums from other financial sources.

Q: In a recent column, you indicated that starting in 2023, if an individual with a 401(k) wanted to make a “catch-up” contribution, their income exceeded $145,000, they could only use a Roth contribution. Can you tell me what income is counted regarding the $145,000 limit? For example, would Social Security income and pension income be included in the computation?

A: Only FICA wages would be included in the computation. They are earned income only. So, you should not include Social Security income or pension income when you make the determination as to whether your income exceeds the $145,000 limit. You also should not have to include any interest, dividends or capital gains since those items would not be considered earned income.

Q: My husband died in 2022. He named me as a beneficiary, and I have transferred his traditional IRA to my account. He has been taking required minimum distributions for several years. Must I take a required minimum distribution in 2023? He took a required minimum distribution in 2022. I am 75 years old.

A: Because you are a surviving spouse, you are considered to be an eligible designated beneficiary, which means you are not required to use the 10-year rule. You can take required minimum distributions over your life expectancy. Although you could elect to use the 10-year rule, there is no advantage for you to do so. By choosing to take RMDs over your life expectancy, you can take RMDs over a longer period.