Q & A
Can I Collect a Survivor’s Benefits on My Ex’s Record at 62 and a Delayed Retirement Benefit at 70?
Full Question: I was married for 17 plus years. My former husband died. I am currently 53. Can I retire at 62, collect his Social Security and then switch to my Social Security at the age of 70, if I live that long?
Answer: I’m terribly sorry for your loss. You can start collecting a reduced survivor benefit at 60 and your own retirement benefit any time between 66 and 70. Your survivor benefit will be highest if you wait until full retirement age to start it. Your own retirement benefit will be highest if you wait until 70 to collect it. The rub is that taking both benefits at once will lead you to get only the larger of the two. Read more…
Source: Laurence Kotlikoff, Forbes Contributor - 10/25/2014
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