How do I change from a Social Security survivor benefit to my Social Security retirement benefit?

To switch from survivor benefits on a late spouse’s work record to retirement benefits on your own record, you’ll need to file a new application. You should apply four months before you want your retirement benefit to start.

You can file a claim for retirement benefits online, by phone (call Social Security’s national toll-free helpline, 800-772-1213), or at a local Social Security office. To apply at an office, call the helpline to schedule an appointment.

Switching makes sense if you earned more over your working life than your late spouse, as your retirement payment would exceed the survivor benefit. But bear in mind that your retirement benefit grows the longer you delay claiming it, up to age 70.

So, if you’re eligible for both, one strategy would be to continue collecting survivor benefits until you turn 70, so you have some Social Security income coming in, then claim your largest possible retirement benefit at 70.  

If you are the widow or widower of a spouse who consistently earned more money than you, it doesn’t matter when you switch to your own retirement benefit. Social Security will pay the higher amount — and in this case, the survivor benefit would be higher than your own retirement benefit.