Can a Widower Switch to His Own Work Record and Backdate Benefits?

I have a client, widower (July, 2016), has been drawing a surviving spouse benefit since he was eligible and just turned 70 on March 1, 2024.  He is wants to switch over to his work record, which he has been delaying. My question is, will he be able to back date his election to his own work record up to 6 months?

Yes, your client can backdate his application to switch from his survivor benefits to his own work record by up to six months. However, it's important to note that if he chooses to backdate his benefits, he will lose the Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) he would have earned during those six months. Additionally, any benefits he received from his deceased spouse during the retroactive period will be deducted from his back pay. This means he would receive a lump sum payment for the difference between his delayed benefits and what he already received as a survivor benefit during that retroactive period. He should carefully consider the implications before making this decision.