Social Security survivor vs. retirement benefits - can I switch my application type before my appointment?

Yes, you can definitely apply for your retirement benefits online instead of waiting for the phone appointment. Since you're eligible for both survivor and retirement benefits, you have some important strategic options! If you were born before January 2, 1954, you can file a "restricted application" for just one benefit while letting the other grow. This can be a great strategy. For example, you could claim survivors benefits now and let your own retirement grow until 70 for maximum benefit. The online application for retirement benefits is straightforward - look for "Apply for Retirement Benefits" on SSA.gov. However, for complex situations like yours where you're potentially eligible for multiple benefits, a phone conversation might actually be better so you can discuss strategies. Regarding the 6 months retroactive benefits - yes, you can request this, but it's not automatically done in the online system. You'd need to specifically mention it in the "Remarks" section at the end of the application, explaining that you received incorrect information previously.

I went thru this EXACT same situation last year!!! The SSA people on the phone gave me TOTALLY wrong info about my FRA and I ended up waiting 4 extra months for no reason!!! So frustrating. I would 100% keep your phone appointment because trying to do this online is a NIGHTMARE when you're eligible for multiple benefits. When I tried to explain my situation online there was nowhere to put all the details and I ended up having to call anyway. You DEFINITELY want to talk to a live person who can calculate both scenarios for you (survivors vs your own) and tell you which one pays more right now. And YES they can go back 6 months if you tell them about the wrong info they gave you! But you HAVE to mention this specifically!!!

good luck getting anyone at ss to admit they gave wrong info lol

They did give me the retroactive benefits! I didn't have any proof of the wrong info but I had written down the date I called and the person's first name. That seemed to help. But honestly it probably depends which rep you get. Some are awesome and some are... not.

Let me clarify a few important points here: 1. Being born in 1956 means you are NOT eligible for the "deemed filing" exception that allows true restricted applications. That rule only applies to people born before January 2, 1954. 2. However, there's an important exception: Survivor benefits operate under different rules. You can still choose to take either your survivor benefit OR your retirement benefit and later switch to the other one. This is different from spousal benefits. 3. The optimal strategy typically depends on the benefit amounts and your age. If your own retirement benefit will eventually be larger than your survivor benefit, you might want to take the survivor benefit now and switch to your retirement at 70 when it maxes out. Or vice versa. 4. Regarding retroactive benefits: SSA can pay up to 6 months retroactive benefits for retirement claims (though this will permanently reduce your benefit amount as if you filed earlier). For misinformation, you should file an SSA-561 "Request for Reconsideration" form explaining what happened. 5. I strongly recommend keeping your phone appointment. The online application doesn't handle survivor/retirement choices optimally, and you'll want personalized guidance.

After trying to reach SSA for WEEKS with no luck (constant busy signals, disconnects, etc.), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live SSA rep in about 15 minutes. I was super skeptical but desperate after spending hours trying to get through the normal way. It worked really well - they just connect you directly to SSA so you're actually talking to official SSA reps. You might want to check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU to see how it works. Saved me from waiting 3 more weeks for my scheduled appointment when I needed answers right away about a similar benefit choice situation.

Regarding whether to do the appointment by phone or in person - both have pros and cons. In-person means you can bring documents with you and get them processed on the spot. Phone appointments are more convenient but if they need additional documentation, it can delay things. I wouldn't fill out the SSA-561 before your appointment. First discuss your options with the representative and make your benefit election. If you end up requesting retroactive benefits due to misinformation, that's when you'd want to complete the form. One crucial thing to remember: If you take 6 months of retroactive retirement benefits, your monthly payment will be permanently reduced based on that earlier start date. Make sure that's actually beneficial for you long-term.

I don't think anyone pointed this out yet, but if your deceased spouse's benefit would be HIGHER than your own retirement (even at your full retirement age), then you should definitely focus on the survivor benefit. My neighbor went through this whole complicated process and ended up choosing survivor benefits at her FRA because they were about $375 more per month than her own retirement would ever be. So much depends on your specific earnings record compared to your spouse's. Make sure you understand both amounts before making a decision!! Also the SSA website NEVER shows survivor benefit estimates in your online account, only your own retirement. That's another reason the phone call is better than trying to DIY this online.

Thank you all so much for these detailed responses. I'm going to keep my phone appointment and come prepared with questions about both benefit types. I'll also write down my earnings record and what I know about my late husband's benefits so I can compare the numbers during the call. Since it sounds like my born-in-1956 status still allows me to choose between survivor OR retirement (just not both at once), I'll need to understand the long-term impacts of each option. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

my aunt tried to get retroactive and they denied her even tho they totally gave wrong info. said she couldnt prove it. good luck