Can I claim my own Social Security now then switch to widow benefits at FRA? SSA rep said no?

That SSA rep gave you completely WRONG information!!! As a widow, you absolutely CAN file for your own retirement benefit now and then switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. I did this exact thing last year. The rules changed for spousal benefits with that 2015 law but NOT for survivor benefits. You should call back and speak with someone else because that person doesn't know what there talking about.

The previous commenter is correct. As a widow, you have the option to claim either your own retirement benefits OR survivor benefits, and can switch between them at any point. The strategy you mentioned (claiming your own now, then switching to survivor benefits at FRA) can be a good one if your survivor benefit would be higher than your own benefit. The confusion likely stems from the fact that the rules for spousal benefits changed with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, but the rules for survivor benefits remained unchanged. Survivors maintain the ability to choose which benefit to take and when to switch. Before making a final decision, you should consider: 1. Your own Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at your FRA 2. Your husband's benefit amount (which would be reduced since he claimed early) 3. Your financial needs now versus later Given your husband claimed early, his survivor benefit to you will be reduced somewhat, but it still might be higher than your own benefit at FRA. I'd recommend requesting a detailed benefit calculation for both options.

I've been through this exact situation and ended up calling SSA six times before I got someone who actually understood the rules for widow benefits! It was so frustrating. Each time I got different information. The rules are confusing even to them apparently. Just to confirm what others have said - yes, you CAN take your own benefit now and switch to survivor benefits later. OR you can take survivor benefits now (which would be reduced because you're before FRA) and switch to your own at 70 if your own would be higher with delayed credits. I found that having the exact regulation reference helped when talking to them. The ability to switch between benefits is in Section 404.335 of their regulations.

I had the same issue trying to reach someone at SSA who understood widow benefits. After 3 weeks of calling and waiting on hold for 2+ hours each time (only to get disconnected or get someone who gave wrong information), I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - made a huge difference for me. When I finally got through to a knowledgeable agent, they confirmed exactly what others here are saying - widow(er)s can absolutely switch between their own and survivor benefits at any point to maximize their total lifetime benefits. My suggestion is to ask specifically for someone who specializes in survivor benefits when you call. That made a difference in my case.

my mother in law went thru this same thing last yr. the first person told her she couldnt switch but that was WRONG!! she called back and got someone else who fixed it. dont give up just becuz one person told u something. they make mistakes all the time!!

The information you received is definitely incorrect. I think the SSA representative may have confused the rules for spousal benefits (which did change in 2015) with survivor benefits (which did not change). Here's what you need to know: - For SPOUSAL benefits (when your spouse is living): The deemed filing rule requires that if you file for either your own retirement or your spousal benefit, you're deemed to have filed for both. - For SURVIVOR benefits (as in your case): You still have the choice to file for either your own retirement OR your survivor benefit, and can switch to the other later. Given your situation, you have two main strategies: 1. Take your reduced retirement benefit now, then switch to your unreduced survivor benefit at your FRA (in 2026) 2. Take your reduced survivor benefit now, then switch to your own retirement at age 70 (if your own with delayed credits would be higher) Which is better depends on the specific benefit amounts and your life expectancy. I recommend writing down all these details before calling SSA again, and specifically asking for someone who specializes in survivor benefits.

Just want to add one more thing - make sure when you go to switch benefits at your FRA that you get confirmation in writing! I had to go back THREE TIMES because they kept making errors in processing my switch from retirement to survivor benefits. The first time they just didn't process it at all, the second time they processed it but calculated it wrong. Save every letter, record every phone call (tell them you're recording), and check your bank deposits carefully.

my wife is a widow and she did exactly what ur talking about! she took her own SS at 63 and then when she hit FRA last year she switched to her husbands benefit which was higher. that SSA lady gave u wrong info for sure!!!

After reading through this thread, I wanted to provide some additional clarity on the survivor benefit amounts since your husband claimed early: When calculating your survivor benefit, SSA will look at: 1. The actual benefit your husband was receiving when he died (reduced for early claiming) 2. What your husband would have received if he had lived to his FRA (full amount) As his widow, you'll generally receive the higher of: - 100% of what your husband was actually receiving at death - 82.5% of your husband's PIA (the amount he would have received at his FRA) This is called the "widow's limit" or RIB-LIM rule. It can be complicated, but it's important to understand this when comparing your options. Don't feel bad about the confusion - this is one of the most complex areas of Social Security rules, and unfortunately, not all SSA representatives are equally well-versed in these details.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this confusion during what's already a difficult time. As a fellow widow who went through this exact situation two years ago, I can confirm that the SSA representative was absolutely wrong. You CAN take your own retirement benefit now and switch to survivor benefits at your FRA - this is a completely valid strategy that many widows use to maximize their lifetime benefits. What helped me was calling the SSA national number (1-800-772-1213) and specifically asking to speak with someone who handles survivor benefits. I also found it useful to have my husband's Social Security statement and my own benefit estimates ready before calling. The first rep I spoke with was also confused about the rules, but the second one was very knowledgeable and walked me through all my options. Don't let one misinformed representative discourage you from exploring your best strategy. The rules for survivor benefits are different from spousal benefits, and you definitely have the flexibility to switch between your own and survivor benefits to optimize your total lifetime payout. Good luck, and don't hesitate to call back until you get someone who knows these rules properly!

I'm a Social Security claims specialist and can confirm that the representative you spoke with was completely incorrect. As a widow, you absolutely retain the right to choose between your own retirement benefit and your survivor benefit, and you can switch between them at any time to maximize your total lifetime benefits. The confusion likely stems from the 2015 changes to spousal benefits (for married couples), but those changes did NOT affect survivor benefits. The "deemed filing" rule that eliminates choice only applies to spousal benefits, not survivor benefits. Your proposed strategy - taking your own benefit now and switching to survivor benefits at FRA - is a legitimate and often recommended approach. However, before proceeding, I'd suggest getting exact benefit calculations for both scenarios: 1. Your current reduced retirement benefit vs. your full survivor benefit at FRA 2. Your current reduced survivor benefit vs. your delayed retirement benefit at age 70 When you call back, ask specifically for the "survivor benefits unit" and reference Section 404.335 of their regulations regarding benefit switching for survivors. Also request a written benefit estimate for both options. Don't accept verbal estimates - get everything in writing to avoid future confusion. I've seen this misinformation happen far too often, and it's concerning how many widows are getting incorrect guidance on such an important financial decision.

I'm so sorry you had to deal with that incorrect information during an already stressful time! As someone who recently went through the Social Security maze myself, I can confirm what everyone else is saying - you absolutely CAN take your own retirement benefit now and switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. The representative you spoke with was definitely wrong, and unfortunately this seems to happen way too often. I had to call three different times before getting someone who actually understood the survivor benefit rules correctly. What really helped me was calling early in the morning (around 8 AM) and specifically asking to be transferred to someone who specializes in survivor benefits. One thing I'd also suggest is logging into your MySocialSecurity account online before you call back - you can see estimates there for both your retirement benefit and survivor benefit amounts, which will help you ask better questions and verify that the representative is giving you accurate calculations. Don't give up! The rules are definitely on your side here, you just need to find someone at SSA who actually knows them. Wishing you the best of luck getting this sorted out properly.