Social Security Survivor Benefits vs. Retirement Benefits

My husband of over 30 years passed away a few years ago when he was 57 and I was 56 years old. He was approved for Social Security Disability, but died the month before his first payment was to be made. He earned much more than I did and his benefit is much more than mine. I understand that I can receive reduced survivor benefits at age 60 and let my retirement benefit grow until I’m 70 and then convert it to my benefit. Because of the disparity in our lifetime earnings, this doesn’t make much of a difference.

My question is: Can I take my own retirement benefits at age 62 and will my survivor benefits grow? Can I convert to those at a different age? If so, do they grow at the same rate as my earnings (if I chose to let those grow) and how long can I let the survivor benefits grow?

I have tried to get clarification on this several times from Social Security, but I get different answers and unfortunately, they aren’t very helpful on the 800 number or at the local office. I don’t want to make a choice that will have a huge affect on my financial future only to be told later that I cannot convert it.

Thank you – I really appreciate your advice.