Can I switch from survivor benefits to my own Social Security retirement online or need appointment?

Yes, you can absolutely make this switch! I did this last year when I turned 70. The good news is you can start the process online through your mySocialSecurity account. Look for the "Apply for Benefits" section. However, in my experience, while you start online, they'll still likely contact you for a phone interview to confirm details. The nice thing is you won't need to provide documents they already have on file - they'll tell you during the phone interview if anything else is needed. Just make sure you have your banking info ready for direct deposit if you want to change where your new benefits go.

U actually CAN do it all online!!! i switched from survivors to my own last yr. just log in to your ssa account and click apply for retirement benefits. they already have all ur info from when u applied for survivor benefits so its way easier than the 1st time. took me like 30 min tops. never had to talk to anyone.

When I tried switching from survivor to MY OWN benefits last year it was a DISASTER!!! The online system kept glitching and logging me out halfway through. I tried FOUR TIMES!!! Finally called and was on hold for 3 HOURS before getting disconnected!!! The whole system is broken and they make it IMPOSSIBLE to get what you deserve after paying in your whole life!!! If anyone figures out how to actually speak to a human being at SSA please let me know!!!!

I'm a former SSA claims representative, so I can provide some clarification on this process. When switching from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits, you're technically filing a new claim. This can be initiated online, which is the preferred method for most straightforward cases. However, there are a few important things to know: 1. The system will skip requesting documents it already has on file 2. Most people will receive a follow-up phone call within 7-10 business days to verify certain information 3. You'll need to know your exact benefit amounts to make an informed decision - make sure your own benefit is actually higher before switching 4. If your online application gets "stuck" it's usually because of a specific circumstance in your record that requires manual review The easiest approach is to start online, then be prepared for a potential phone interview. Have your most recent tax return handy as they may need to verify recent earnings. Hope this helps!

My sister went thru this last yr. She said start online but expect them to call u. Oh and btw make SURE your own benefit is higher than survivor before switching! My sister assumed hers would be higher based on her work history but it turned out her survivor benefit was still better. Once u switch u cant go back so double check the numbers first!!!

To check both benefit amounts before switching, log into your mySocialSecurity account and look at your Retirement Benefit Estimate. That will show what you'd get on your own record. Then compare it to your current survivor payment. You can also call SSA and ask for a benefit computation on both - they can tell you exact amounts. Just make sure you're comparing the right numbers - your own benefit at your current age versus your survivor benefit.

When I called to switch benefits last year, I waited on hold for over an hour and then got disconnected! So frustrating. I finally just went to my local SSA office but had to wait 3 weeks for an appointment. Once I got there though, it only took about 30 minutes to process everything. Just sharing my experience!

If you're having trouble getting through to SSA by phone, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They'll connect you with a Social Security agent and call you when they've got someone on the line. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to switch my benefits last year. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. Much easier than waiting on hold all day or trying to get an in-person appointment at your local office.

To answer your follow-up question about timing: If you apply in April, your new benefit amount would typically be effective with your May payment (which you'd receive in June, since Social Security pays a month behind). When you file, you can specify the month you want your retirement benefits to begin. If you're already past your Full Retirement Age (which it sounds like you are at 68), you could potentially request up to 6 months of retroactive benefits if that makes financial sense for your situation. Just be aware that switching from survivors to your own retirement is a permanent decision - you can't switch back later if circumstances change.