Can I switch from spousal/caregiver benefits to my own Social Security at FRA without messing up my disabled son's benefits?

I had a similar situation last year with my own benefits vs. spousal benefits question. Trying to call SSA was driving me CRAZY - 3+ hour wait times, getting disconnected, etc. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It was such a relief to actually talk to someone who could look at my specific situation. The agent confirmed I could compare benefits without affecting my current payments. Definitely worth checking out if you're still trying to get through to SSA.

Yes, at your Full Retirement Age you can absolutely apply for your own retirement benefits without jeopardizing your son's benefits. This is called a "restricted application" situation. SSA will pay you whichever benefit is higher - either your caregiver benefit through your husband or your own retirement benefit. The good news is that your son's benefits are completely separate and will continue unchanged regardless of which benefit you choose to receive. I'd recommend applying about 3 months before you reach FRA to give them time to process everything. You can safely apply online for your own benefits - the system will recognize that you're already receiving benefits in another category and will compare them automatically.

I went through this exact process 2 years ago. When you apply for retirement on your own record, SSA will do a calculation to determine if your own benefit amount is higher than what you're currently receiving as a caregiver. If your own benefit is higher, they'll switch you to that. If your caregiver benefit is higher, you'll just stay on that. This won't affect your son's benefits at all - those are established on your husband's record independently. One important thing to know: make sure you specify in the remarks section of the online application that you are currently receiving caregiver benefits and want SSA to pay whichever benefit is higher. Sometimes the online system isn't clear about this comparison process.

I think you should definitely apply! My mom was in a similar situation and ended up getting an extra $340 a month from her own record versus what she was getting from my dad's. Worth checking!

I want to correct something I'm seeing in other responses. What you're receiving isn't technically a "caregiver benefit" - those don't exist in Social Security. You're likely receiving a spouse's benefit while caring for a disabled adult child who receives benefits on your husband's record. This distinction matters because different rules apply. When you reach FRA, you should file for your retirement benefits, and SSA will pay the higher of either your retirement benefit or the spouse's benefit you're currently receiving. Your son's disabled adult child benefit will continue unchanged regardless of which benefit you receive.

BE CAREFUL!!! I tried switching benefits when I reached retirement age and they somehow stopped ALL my payments for 3 months while they "processed" everything!!! I couldn't pay my mortgage and almost lost my house!!! The SSA is a NIGHTMARE to deal with!!! Make SURE you have savings before you apply for ANYTHING with them!!!

just go to the office in person. online is confuzing and phone never works. bring all ur documents and theyll tell u right there whats better

After I used Claimyr to get through to SSA, the agent I spoke with mentioned something important: if you do decide to apply for your own benefits, make sure you specifically tell them you want to COMPARE benefits, not SWITCH benefits. Apparently the way you phrase it can affect how they process your request. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and actually looked up my specific info to give me personalized advice.

I want to add one more important piece of information: once you reach FRA, you can apply for your retirement benefits without worry because you have what's called "protected filing status." This means that even if there are processing delays or confusion, SSA must preserve your filing date and pay you any back payments you're entitled to. Also, your son's benefits as a disabled adult child on your husband's record are completely protected by law and cannot be reduced or eliminated based on your benefit choices. You're making a smart decision to look into this now, as many people leave money on the table by not checking all their options at FRA.

My brother is disabled and gets SS benefits. When my mom switched her benefits it didn't affect him at all so I think you're worrying too much. But the system is SO BROKEN you should expect problems anyway!!! It took them FOREVER to process my disability claim!!!