Confused about switching from Social Security survivor benefits to retirement - do I need to apply again?

The online system and the letters don't always sync up perfectly. Based on what you described, it sounds like your application WAS successfully submitted by phone, and the MySocialSecurity status showing "approved but pending until start month" is the most current and accurate status. The second letter about applying online was likely an automated notice that didn't account for your phone application. When you switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits, there's just one application process needed, not two. The fact that your MySocialSecurity account shows it as approved is the best indicator that you're all set. If it gives you peace of mind, you can call to confirm, but I wouldn't be too concerned based on what you've shared. Just make sure to verify the payment amount and start date when you do speak with them.

I had a VERY similar situation when I switched from disability to retirement last year!!! Got one letter saying everything was fine then ANOTHER saying I needed to apply! Called SSA and waited for 2 HOURS only to find out the second letter was automatically generated and my application was already processed!!!! Such a waste of time and SO STRESSFUL! The SSA computer systems do NOT talk to each other properly. Trust what your MySocialSecurity account says - if it shows approved but pending that means you're GOOD TO GO. The online system is more up-to-date than their stupid letters. DON'T waste your time calling unless you see something actually wrong with the benefit amount. Their phone system is BROKEN and you'll just get frustrated!!!

When you transition from survivor benefits to retirement benefits, SSA should handle this as a conversion rather than a new application. What matters most is what your MySocialSecurity account shows - if it's showing as approved but pending until your benefit month, that's the most current status. The second notice you received is likely an automated message that doesn't recognize you already applied by phone. This happens frequently with benefit transitions. One thing to verify when you do call: make sure they have the correct month for your benefit to begin. Since your birthday is in February, your first payment should arrive in March (as payments are for the previous month). Also confirm they're using your highest earning years for your PIA calculation. If you're concerned about reaching them by phone, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can get you through to an agent without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It saved me hours when I needed to straighten out an issue with my benefits.

My sister had this exact issue last year. The online thing said approved but she kept getting letters. Turns out she was fine all along and the first payment showed up right on schedule! SSA sends out these notices automatically and they don't always match what's actually happening with your claim. I wouldn't worry too much.

The letters from SSA can sometimes contradict each other due to different automated systems generating them. In your case, what's happening is: 1. Your phone application WAS processed (confirmed by the first notice with your correct details) 2. The second notice about needing to apply online was likely triggered automatically without recognizing your phone application 3. Your MySocialSecurity account showing "approved but pending" is the most accurate reflection of your status You don't need to apply again. This is a common issue with benefit conversions (switching from one type to another). The most important thing is that your MySocialSecurity account shows it as approved. When you do call to confirm, ask specifically about: - The exact amount of your new benefit - The exact month your new benefit begins (should be February based on your post) - Whether any retroactive adjustments will be made if your own benefit is higher than your survivor benefit Make sure to have your exact earnings history available when you call, as sometimes they miss years of earnings when calculating your PIA.

sounds like typical ssa confusion to me! when i applied for retirement they sent me 3 different letters all saying different things. the online account is usually right tho. good luck getting thru on the phone!!

I tried calling the SSA office 5 TIMES last month about a similar issue and either got disconnected or was on hold for so long I had to hang up for other appointments. It's RIDICULOUS!!! 😠

Just to add one important point: make sure when you do speak with SSA that you verify they're using your highest 35 earning years to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) for your retirement benefit. Sometimes years get missed in their system, especially if you had multiple employers or self-employment income. Also, since you're turning 67, which I'm assuming is your Full Retirement Age (FRA) based on your birth year, you should be receiving 100% of your PIA. If you see any reduction applied, immediately question that when you call.

When I switched from my disability to retirement benefits last year, I got three different notices that all contradicted each other. One said I was approved, one said I needed to apply, and another had an incorrect benefit amount. I finally got it straightened out, but it took multiple calls. My advice is to keep a file with copies of EVERYTHING they send you. Take notes during every phone call including the representative's name and ID number. The SSA systems don't always communicate with each other, so having your own documentation is crucial. Also, don't be surprised if your first payment at the new benefit amount is slightly delayed. Mine was about 2 weeks late, but they eventually got it right with the correct amount.

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when I switched from survivor benefits to my own retirement at 67. The conflicting letters are unfortunately very common - SSA's different computer systems don't always sync up properly. Based on your description, you're in good shape! The MySocialSecurity account showing "approved but pending" is the most reliable indicator. That second letter telling you to apply online was almost certainly an automated notice that didn't recognize your phone application. A few things that helped me when I was in your shoes: - Screenshot your MySocialSecurity status page for your records - When you do call, ask them to confirm the exact benefit amount and start date - Make sure they have your correct Direct Deposit info on file The wait times are brutal, but if it gives you peace of mind, it's worth one call to confirm everything is set up correctly. My first payment at the new rate came right on schedule despite all the confusing paperwork I received beforehand. You should be all set, but I understand wanting that extra confirmation!