When to apply for my own SS retirement after receiving survivor benefits - switch at age 70?

You need to apply about 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. The good news is that you CAN apply online for retirement benefits even though you're currently receiving survivor benefits. Just log into your my Social Security account and choose "Apply for Retirement Benefits." Make sure to specify in the remarks section that you're currently receiving survivor benefits and want to switch to your own retirement record beginning with the month you turn 70. Your new benefit amount should start the month of your birthday - so July 2025 in your case.

I just went through this last year!!! Trust me, start AT LEAST 4 months before your birthday. I waited only 2 months before and there was a gap where I didnt get ANY payment for almost 6 weeks because of processing delays!! They backdated it eventually but it was SUPER stressful not having that money when bills were due. Also make SURE you print out confirmation of everything you submit online. The SSA lost part of my application and I had to resubmit stuff which caused more delays!!!

my aunt switched from survivors to her own retirement last year it was a nightmare trying to get anyone on the phone she sat on hold for HOURS

One thing to verify - make absolutely sure that your own benefit at 70 will indeed be higher than your survivor benefit. While this is often the case, it's not guaranteed. The survivor benefit is 100% of what your late husband was receiving (or would have received at his FRA if he died before starting benefits). If your husband was a high earner and you had periods out of the workforce or lower earnings, it's possible the survivor benefit might actually be higher. Call SSA or check your my Social Security account to confirm the exact projected amount before applying. Also, note that when you file for your own retirement, your survivor benefits will automatically terminate. There's no option to receive both simultaneously.

REMINDER TO EVERYONE: Social Security rules can be complicated!!!! Even the SSA employees sometimes give wrong information. I was told completely different things by two different people at my local office about widow benefits. If what they tell you doesn't sound right, ask to speak to a Technical Expert or supervisor.

doesnt the cost of living adjustment come into play here too? like wont both amounts go up between now and when you turn 70?

Has anyone else noticed that the SS website keeps having maintenence issues on weekends??? Thats when I actually have TIME to look at my account and half the time it says "sorry we're down for maintenance" SO ANNOYING

I want to add some information about the actual application process. When applying online to switch from survivor to retirement benefits, you'll see a section asking if you're currently receiving Social Security benefits. Be sure to answer "Yes" and provide information about your current survivor benefits. The system will guide you through a slightly different process than a first-time applicant. The good news is that much of your information is already in their system, so the application should be somewhat streamlined. Also, when you submit your application, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down and keep it safe. If you need to follow up on your application status, having this number will make the process much easier.

One more thing to consider - tax implications. If your new higher benefit pushes your income into a different bracket, you might have different tax withholding needs. When you apply for your retirement benefits, you'll have the option to choose how much federal tax to withhold (if any). Since your benefit is increasing by $725/month, that's an additional $8,700 annually that could potentially impact your tax situation. You might want to consult with your financial advisor about whether you should adjust your withholding when you make the switch.