Eligible spouses can claim a $300 monthly top-up, increasing household Social Security benefits to $4,500 in 2026.
A $300 monthly spousal top-up under Social Security rules can raise a household’s combined benefit to $4,500. The adjustment applies when one spouse’s earnings record qualifies for a higher payout, boosting the lower earner’s check from $1,200 to $1,500.
The top-up equals up to half of the higher earner’s Primary Insurance Amount, but many couples overlook it. Filing at full retirement age maximizes benefits, while early claims at 62 permanently reduce payouts for both spouses and survivors.
Retirement forums frequently highlight cases where couples miss the spousal top-up, assuming benefits are fixed based on individual earnings records. The rule requires explicit application to activate the additional payment.