Hi Larry,
My husband has coronary artery disease and had 2 stents placed 2009, then in 2012 had a double bypass. He was unable to continue his job as maintanence engineer for 2 hotels. I felt he should apply for disability benefits but he decided to file for SS benefits as he was 62. He has received the reduced payment since 2012. I retired at 70 and receive full benefits. We are 73 and 74 respectively. Is he able to get his benefit increased from my benefit which is $1000 + more than his?
Thanks, Jo Ann

Hi Jo Ann,

As long as you and your husband are both living, he could only qualify for benefits from your record if his primary insurance amount (PIA) is less than half as much as your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

There isn't enough information in your question for me to know how your PIA compares to your husband's PIA, so I can't tell you whether or not he could qualify for any spousal benefits. Your husband could apply for spousal benefits in order to get a formal determination of his eligibility for those benefits, or he could just check with Social Security to find out whether or not he qualifies.

By the way, if you die prior to your husband he would be eligible for the higher of either his own benefit rate or your benefit rate, so it sounds like even if your husband doesn't qualify for spousal benefits he would be eligible for survivor benefits in the event of your death.

Best, Jerry