If you are retired and start collecting retirement pay, the age 59 1/2 rule does not apply to you on the pension you receive, due to the monthly payments made over the life expectancy of your husband.
Exception to the 10 Percent Penalty:
You can avoid the early withdrawal penalty and receive distributions prior to age 59 — by utilizing Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 72(t). IRC 72(t) provides that qualified retirement plan distributions will not be subject to the early withdrawal penalty if they are made as part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (no less than annually) for the life (or life expectancy) of the individual or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the individual and his or her designated beneficiary.
Also, thank your husband for his service for our country.
