I'm 57 employed full time. I am divorced and a widow. Can I collect widows pension at 60 and switch to ex spouse or my own social security at 62? 65?? - than take the largest social security at 70?

Hi,

You can file for reduced widow's benefits at 60, but there is an earnings test that may keep you from actually drawing benefits. Social Security withholds $1 of benefits for each $2 that you earn above an established limit, which is set at $15,720 in 2016.

Since you were born after 1953, you can't file for divorced spousal benefits at any age without also applying on your own record. At least for as long as your ex husband is still living, that is. This was part of the new law that congress passed in 2015.

Depending on your earnings history and those of your former spouses, as well as your ongoing earnings, it will likely be best for you to file for either:
1) Widow's benefits at age 60, then your own at 70; or,
2) Widow's benefits at full retirement age, then your own at 70: or,
3) Reduced benefits on your own record at 62 (plus any excess divorced spousal benefits), then widow's benefits at full retirement age.

You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to sort out your best option(s).

Best, Jerry