Can I take SS retirement benefits before FRA then switch to survivor benefits at FRA? Reduction concerns

Yes, you can absolutely take your own retirement benefits now and then switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. This is actually a smart strategy in many cases. You're also correct that survivor benefits are reduced if taken before your FRA, but if you wait until FRA to claim them, you'll get 100% of your deceased husband's benefit (what he was receiving or would have received at his FRA).By taking your reduced retirement benefit now ($1,850) and then switching to the full survivor benefit at your FRA, you could maximize your lifetime benefits. The survivor benefit would be $2,700 (assuming that was your husband's benefit at his FRA or what he was actually receiving).Just make sure to specify when you apply that you're ONLY filing for retirement benefits now, not survivor benefits.

Thank you so much for this clear explanation! So just to confirm - if I take my own benefits now at 62 (reduced from what I'd get at FRA), I can still get 100% of my husband's benefit when I switch at my FRA? The SSA website is so confusing on this point.

i did somthing like this last year. took mine early at 63 and switching to my wifes later. BUT make sure u tell them your ONLY applying for your OWN benefit now. the ssa person tried to do both at once which woulda been bad for me. gotta be clear with them.

That's really helpful advice - thank you! Did you have any trouble when you specifically told them you only wanted your own benefits? I'm worried they'll automatically process both.

I tried this EXACT strategy but it was a DISASTER!!! The SS office COMPLETELY messed up my application and gave me the survivor benefits first which was LOWER than what I would've gotten later. Then they told me I couldn't switch!!! I've been fighting them for 7 MONTHS trying to fix it. The system is BROKEN and they don't care about us at all!!!!

Oh no, that sounds awful! I'm so sorry you went through that. Did you ever get it resolved? This makes me nervous about the whole process now.

I had the same situation when my husband passed in 2020. Had trouble getting through to anyone at SSA for weeks. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUThe agent confirmed I could take my retirement at 62 and switch to survivors at my FRA for the maximum amount. Make sure you're explicit that you're ONLY filing for retirement now. I wrote it on my application several times to be sure. Been getting my benefits without issues for over a year now.

Thank you for sharing this resource! I've been dreading having to call and sit on hold forever. I'll definitely check out that service if I have trouble getting through. And thanks for the tip about being super explicit on the application!

my friend tried to do this but got confused and ended up getting both benefits reduced. make sure u understand everything before signing anything

This strategy is called \

Thank you for these detailed steps! Is this still considered a \

You're exactly right - the elimination of restricted applications in the 2015 budget changes only applied to spousal benefits, not survivor benefits. You can still use this strategy with survivor benefits.The technical term SSA uses now is \

didnt know this! was told by someone at SS office you cant do this anymore but i guess they were wrong

Got a question - does the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) affect any of this? My husband was a teacher with a pension too so not sure if that changes anything about his SS amount that I'd get as a survivor. Sorry if this is off-topic from your original question.

Good question, but different issue. WEP affects the worker's own benefits if they had a non-covered pension. For survivors, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) is what could affect benefits - but only if YOU (the survivor) have a pension from non-covered work. Your husband's pension doesn't trigger GPO for your survivor benefits.

forgot to mention before but theres a 2 year look back on earnings after you file. so if ur still working watch out for the earnings limit its like $21,240 for 2025 i think

Thank you all so much for your helpful advice! I've decided to move forward with taking my own benefits now at 62, and then switching to the survivor benefits when I reach my FRA. I'm going to be very explicit with SSA that I'm ONLY applying for retirement benefits now. I'll also make sure to have all documentation ready and possibly use that Claimyr service if I have trouble reaching someone. This group has been incredibly helpful - much clearer than anything I could find on the SSA website!

Sounds like a solid plan! Just remember that if you're still working while collecting early retirement benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test until you reach your FRA (around $21,240/year for 2025 as someone mentioned). Good luck with everything!

Great to see so many people sharing their experiences with this strategy! Just wanted to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with SSA. Save copies of any forms you submit, write down the names of representatives you speak with, and keep notes with dates of phone calls or office visits. This documentation can be incredibly valuable if there are any issues or mix-ups later on. Also, consider requesting a benefit verification letter once your retirement benefits start - this confirms what type of benefit you're receiving and can help when you switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. The more documentation you have, the smoother the transition should be!