Switching from early survivor benefits to my own SS at 67 - do I owe money back?

You definitely do NOT have to pay back any survivor benefits! That's your money - you were entitled to it. When you switch to your own retirement benefits (assuming they're higher), you just start getting the new amount going forward. I was in almost the exact same situation last year. I'd been on survivor benefits since 61 and switched to my own at FRA. The SSA agent told me this happens all the time and is completely normal. They'll look at both benefit amounts and give you whichever is higher. For your phone appointment, ask these questions: 1. What's the exact amount of my own retirement benefit? 2. How does that compare to my current survivor benefit? 3. If I switch, when will the new payment start? 4. Will there be any retroactive payment since you're past FRA? 5. How will this affect your Medicare premium deduction? I found that having my latest SS statement in front of me during the call helped a lot. Good luck!

You made the right decision taking survivor benefits at 60 given your health situation at that time. That's exactly what those benefits are for. What's happening now is quite routine. At FRA and beyond, Social Security reviews cases where someone might qualify for higher benefits on their own record. Since you're past FRA (66+4mo for your birth year), your own benefit has been growing while you've been collecting survivors. During your call, they'll calculate both amounts and you'll receive whichever is higher. If your own benefit is higher, they'll switch you automatically. If your survivor benefit is higher, you'll just continue with that. Either way, you won't lose money. One important question to ask: "Since I'm past FRA, am I eligible for any retroactive benefits on my own record?" You might be entitled to up to 6 months of back payments if your own benefit is higher than the survivor benefit you've been receiving.

I had to go through this last year! I'd been on survivor benefits since 62 and when I hit 70 my son kept bugging me to check if I could get more from my own record. I kept putting it off but FINALLY called SS. Turns out my own benefit was almost $300 more per month than what I was getting on my late husband's record! And they gave me 6 months of back pay. So don't feel bad - this is normal and you might end up with more money!

I'm in the same boat right now! 68 and been getting survivors since 60. My appointment is next month. From what I understand we made the RIGHT choice taking survivors early because it let our own benefits grow. My neighbor worked for SSA and she said that's actually called "restricted application" strategy and it's smart if you have decent earnings history. So don't beat yourself up!

You've actually done things correctly! This is a common and effective strategy: take reduced survivor benefits early, then switch to your own unreduced retirement benefit at or after FRA. Since you're past FRA, your own benefit has been earning delayed retirement credits (8% per year). During your call: 1. Ask for BOTH benefit amounts - your current survivor benefit AND your own retirement benefit 2. Confirm that you'll be switched to whichever is higher 3. Ask if you qualify for any retroactive benefits (up to 6 months) 4. Get an estimate of your new monthly payment after Medicare premium 5. Ask when the new payment would start And no, you absolutely do NOT have to pay back survivor benefits. The two benefits are separate entitlements. This appointment is actually good news - they're making sure you get the maximum you're entitled to receive.

NEVER EVER would they make you pay back legitimate benefits!!! thats just NOT how it works!! the SS system is confusing but not CRUEL like that. your survivor benefits were 100% YOURS as a widow. now they want to see if your OWN benefits might be HIGHER which would be GOOD NEWS for you!!!! i went through this myself and was TERRIFIED of the call but the lady was super nice and actually got me an extra $246/month by switching me to my own record. don't worry!!!!!!!!!!

Is anyone else tired of how terrible SSA is at explaining these transitions? They send these vague letters that scare people instead of just clearly explaining "we're checking if you can get more money now." Typical government efficiency...

if you're having trouble getting through to them on the phone before your appointment (which is likely), try using Claimyr. It's a service that basically holds your place in line with SSA and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me HOURS of frustration when I was dealing with my benefit switch last year. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

One additional point about your upcoming call: Have a pen and paper ready to write down the name of the person you speak with, the date and time, and notes about what they tell you. Sometimes there can be confusion or miscommunication, and having detailed notes about your conversation will help if you need to follow up later. Also, since you worked up until COVID hit, make sure they have your most recent earnings in their system. Occasionally the most recent year or two of earnings might not be reflected in their initial calculations.