Social Security spousal benefit confusion - is $200 difference too small for spousal top-up?

You've got it exactly right. The spousal benefit is 50% of your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at your FRA. Since your own benefit ($1,900) exceeds half of your husband's benefit ($2,100 ÷ 2 = $1,050), you won't receive any additional amount as a spouse. You'll simply receive your own retirement benefit. The spousal benefit only provides a "top-up" when your own benefit is less than 50% of your spouse's.

i think ur right but u should double check with SSA. my sister thought the same thing but turns out she was eligible for a little bit extra. call em and ask directly

Wait I'm confused. Don't you get half your husband's no matter what? That's what my neighbor told me she gets half of her husbands and also her own.

I just went through this exact situation with my wife. Her benefit was about $1700 and mine was $2000, so pretty similar to your numbers. We talked to a SS rep who confirmed she would just get her own benefit since it was more than half of mine. The rep also told us that these calculations use the PIA (your benefit at full retirement age) even if you take benefits early or late. So the 50% comparison is always based on the FRA amount, not the actual amount either of you end up receiving after reductions or credits.

Since your benefits are fairly close in amount, you might want to consider having the higher earner (your husband) delay claiming beyond FRA to age 70 if possible. This would increase his benefit by 8% per year (about 24% total) to around $2,600. While this won't affect spousal benefits during his lifetime, it creates a much higher survivor benefit if he passes away before you. As a widow, you'd be eligible for 100% of his benefit including those delayed retirement credits. This is often the most financially advantageous strategy for married couples with similar earning histories.

just fyi my aunt claimed her ss when she turned 62 and she regrets it so much now. she gets like $400 less every month than if she just waited.

I think you can still apply for spousal and see what happens? Maybe they'll give you something. Doesn't hurt to try right?

One more thing to consider: if either of you worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (like some government positions), the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) or GPO (Government Pension Offset) might affect your benefits. These provisions can reduce benefits for people who receive pensions from non-SS-covered employment. Just mentioning it in case that applies to your situation.