I'm 60yo & still working. I may work for another 2-5 years. My ex-husband of 15 years just died at age 68. He was collecting social security at full age of 66. I found out that I'm able to collect on his SS now, but is that wise? He was a VP & made more money than I do so I'm sure his SS is higher than mine will be. So questions are:
-should I collect his SS now while I'm working? or wait until I retire?
-should I wait until I'm 66 to collect on his & then switch to mine at 70?
-Even though I'd love to retire asap, I can wait until I'm 66 if that makes more sense financially
I could use some tips or help with this decision.
Thanks!!

Hi,

If you continue working, you may not be able to draw benefits now due to the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

However, if you stop working or your earnings are low enough to permit payment of at least some benefits, then your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced surviving divorced spouse's benefits now or as soon as your earnings permit payment of benefits, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits at age 62 or as soon as your earnings permit payment of benefits, then file for unreduced surviving divorced spouse's benefits at full retirement age.

You will likely be better off taking the lower benefit rate first, and saving the highest benefit rate for last. The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which of the above strategies is better, as well as when to file for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry