Can my 90-year-old husband claim spousal benefits from my higher Social Security payment?

What you're referring to is called a spousal benefit, but it's not actually a "top-off" as sometimes described. Your husband would be entitled to up to 50% of your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), but only if that amount is higher than his own benefit. Since he's already getting $1,608 and half of your $2,009 would be around $1,004, he's already receiving more than he would as a spouse on your record. The spousal benefit works best when one spouse had significantly higher earnings or when one spouse didn't work much at all. In your case, you're both already receiving the higher amount you're entitled to.

my mom & dad were in same boat except mom nver worked much. dad took SS at 65 and mom got the spousal benefit which was WAY more than her own tiny SS check would have been. sounds like your both already getting best deal possible.

The Social Security system is RIDICULOUS with all these complicated rules!!! Why don't they just TELL people what they're eligible for instead of making us figure it all out?? I spent THREE HOURS on hold with them last month trying to understand my widow benefits only to get disconnected. Then another two hours the next day! Their customer service is TERRIBLE and they expect seniors to navigate this mess!!

Just to add a bit more clarity: when we talk about spousal benefits, there are a few important details to understand: 1. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the higher earner's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 2. This is reduced if the spouse claiming on the other's record takes it before their own Full Retirement Age 3. If someone has their own retirement benefit, they get the HIGHER of either their own benefit or the spousal benefit (not both) 4. There's no increase for delayed claiming beyond FRA for spousal benefits (unlike regular retirement benefits) In your case, your husband's $1,608 is already higher than the roughly $1,004 he would get as a spouse on your record. The fact that he's 90 doesn't change this calculation - the benefit amounts are established when you start claiming. One last thing - it never hurts to call SSA directly to confirm this analysis for your specific situation.

Thank you everyone for your helpful explanations! I'm feeling much better now understanding that we're already receiving the optimal benefits. I was worried we'd missed out on additional income all these years. One last question - if my husband passes away before me (he is quite a bit older), would I then be eligible for survivor benefits based on his payment? Would that be more than my current benefit?

did u know they give u a lump sum death benefit too? its only $255 which is basically nothing these days but better than nothing i guess

Something important to remember about Social Security benefits - they're recalculated annually for COLA (Cost of Living Adjustments). For 2025, the COLA will likely be around 2.5-3.0% based on current inflation trends. This means both of your benefits will increase automatically each year. While your benefit structure is already optimized based on what everyone has explained, you'll still see those yearly increases that help (somewhat) with rising costs.

My parents had similar ages to you guys! Dad was much older than mom too. When he passed at 92, mom did get his higher benefit as a survivor. But in your case it sounds like you'd just keep your own since it's higher anyway. The SS rules are so confusing sometimes! Glad you asked about this.