My ex- husband died over 20 years ago. We were married 13 years and I am wondering if I am eligible to draw his Social Security since I have never remarried. I am 59 and am wanting to retire at 60 and start drawing my company pension but I'll need to supplement the pension with some additional income and am hoping I can draw his Social Security and save my Social security benefits until i reach the age 66 or 70. Is this a feasible possibility? Thanks, Debi

Debi, you can file for your widow's benefit as early as 60 but it will be reduced below your full widow's benefit that you would get if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to file for it. It might be best to file for your reduced widow's benefit now and then switch to your unreduced retirement benefit at FRA or wait for it to increase until 70 before you file for it. Or it might be best to file for your reduced retirement benefit at 62 and then switch to your unreduced widow's benefit at FRA. Our software can determine your maximized strategy and also let you compare and see the effects various what-if strategies. Thanks, John