Last week, Congress made significant progress on critical legislation that supports our common defense and ensures protection of U.S. interests around the world. While much work remains in the days and weeks ahead, I am proud that lawmakers in both chambers are one step closer to completing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the sixtieth year in a row.

Ask Rusty – Can I Get a Widow’s Benefit if I’m on Disability? Dear Rusty: I was recently approved for my Social Security disability benefits. Will I still be able to get my widow’s benefits when I turn 60, which is right around the corner? Or do I lose those because I am disabled? Signed: An Uncertain Widow Dear Uncertain Widow: You will not lose your survivor (widow’s) benefits because you are now collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

The pandemic has brought the possibility that some older workers will have to retire sooner than they planned. One factor is that people 65 and above are considered to be among the highest-risk groups for severe illness from COVID-19.

July 21, 2020 This week, I thought I’d go over the education-related laws that went into effect July 1st. Schools will be starting in the next month.

Dear Rusty: In 2019 I was out of work for an extended period. I was eligible to begin receiving retirement benefits (at age 63) and started to do so in August. My part time job was limited so it did not conflict with my Social Security amount, but in October through the end of 2019 I went back to my old industry at four times the pay rate. My understanding is that I will need to pay Social Security back about $1.40 for every benefit dollar they have paid me while I worked at the higher wage. When and how is that paid? Signed: Part Time Again

I have had numerous conversations with people that have wanted to know “God’s will” in a particular situation. They wanted to know what God wanted them to do in a specific situation as if they were afraid that a wrong decision or wrong direction would cause them to be placed outside of God’s protection and provision. Some people I have encountered in this situation have been so paralyzed by their fear of making the wrong decisions, they simply chose to do nothing rather than do something wrong. The questions raised by this attitude are many, but the motives are pure, if not a little misguided.

July 20, 2020 Anyone with a teenager knows that COVID-19 restrictions and the curtailing of normal summer activities is making for a challenging summer. That means more risks this time of year for teen drivers than ever before.

The Walters Herald Aug. 1, 1935 Last week, while playing in the yard, Peggy Jo Sorrow, small daughter of Mr.

Ask Rusty — Why Won’t Social Security Give Me My Widow’s Benefit? Dear Rusty: I have been a widow since November 2019. I retired under the Federal Civil Service Retirement System.

The side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may have consequences well beyond the safety measures that have confined our daily lives. The worldwide count of those who have succumbed to the coronavirus is well above the half million mark; in the U.S. alone more than 150,000 of our friends and neighbors have lost their lives to the disease.