I was married 30+ years, I do not have my own ss benefits to collect. If I collect divorced spousal ss at age 62 and my ex dies, if I wait until my fra to collect divorced widow benefits would I receive 100% of my ex's fra ss? Also, if he collects early, will my ss be based on his fra since we are divorced?

Hi,

If you start drawing divorced spousal benefits at age 62, your benefits would automatically convert to survivor benefits effective with the month of your ex-spouse's death. If that happened before you reach full retirement age (FRA), then your surviving divorced spousal benefits would be reduced for age.

Your divorced spousal rate will be based on your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA), so it wouldn't matter whether or not he takes his benefits early as long as he's living. However, your survivor rate could be affected by when he chooses to start his benefits. If he takes his benefits early, it will limit your maximum possible rate to the higher of a) his reduced rate, or b) 82.5% of his PIA.

By the way, your ex would have to be at least age 62 or drawing his benefits in order for you to be eligible for divorced spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0311.html).

Best, Jerry