I did a restricted application and have been receiving spousal benefits since turning FRA. I now wish to switch to my own benefits. The Online application is very vague regarding this sort of circumstance, (nothing on the online app. deals with switching benefits...). After a week of waiting on hold, being disconnected and generally frustrated I was finally able to talk to a local rep. He said that I cannot use the online app for my particular situation and application must be done in a live meeting at the offices. He took my info and said I would be called within 10 days to set up the appt. It is now over 2 weeks and still no call.
I'm very confused as much of what I read online and from SSA website says they are not open for face-to-face. Question(s): May I or may I not used the online app for my situation? Must I actually do face-to-face for application? Should I really expect a callback from SSA? What should I do?
Thanks,
Frank

Hi Frank. I have no inside knowledge of Social Security's current operations status, so I don't know for sure if you can apply online. At one time Social Security's website said you couldn't file online if you were already collecting benefits. Then they changed that to say that you couldn't apply online if you were already collecting benefits on your own record. Now, I don't find any reference on their website that would help determine who is allowed to apply online.

In any event, I don't think it could hurt to try applying online. If you want to switch to drawing your own benefits at age 70, then when you apply for your retirement benefits you'd want to choose the month in which you reach age 70 as your month of election (MOE) to start your benefits. You can file an application up to 4 months prior to the month that you want to choose as your MOE.

My understanding is that Social Security offices are still basically closed to the public, but that they do make a limited number of in-office appointments. However, assuming that you are able to speak with someone from Social Security, I think you could still choose to apply by phone if you'd rather not have an in-office appointment. That's always been one of the filing options in the past.

I have no way of knowing whether or not someone at Social Security will call you back as promised, but I wouldn't count on it. If you end up being unable to apply online, then I don't know of any current alternative to calling Social Security and waiting on hold until you can speak with someone who will make an appointment for you.

Best, Jerry