I am a divorced woman 60 years old. We were married for 10 years and 9 mos. He has died about 10 years ago. When can I collect his ss? I thought if I could now I would continue working pay off my bills mostly hospitals and Dr then stash the remaining in my retirement savings plan. I would continue to work at least until 66.

Hi,

You can become entitled to reduced surviving divorced spousal benefits as early as age 60, however, Social Security has an earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) that may limit your ability to receive benefits prior to full retirement age.

Your best strategy is likely either to:
1) Draw reduced widow's benefits now or as soon as your earnings will permit payments, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) Draw reduced benefits on your record at 62, then file for widow's benefits at age 66.

You may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best option. If it's option #1, don't delay filing your application for reduced widow's since there is no retroactivity for reduced benefits.

Best, Jerry