Social Security is a cornerstone of financial support for many seniors in the United States, especially as they age beyond 90. But the question of whether Social Security provides enough for seniors living past 90 is complex and depends on various factors including the amount of benefits received, individual living expenses, health care costs, and lifestyle choices.
At its core, Social Security was designed to replace a portion of a worker’s pre-retirement income, not to cover all expenses. The average monthly Social Security benefit for retirees is modest, and while it increases slightly each year through cost-of-living adjustments, these increments often struggle to keep pace with the rising costs of essentials such as housing, food, and especially healthcare. For example, in 2025, the cost-of-living adjustment was set at 2.5%, which translates to roughly an additional $57 per month for the average recipient. While helpful, this increase may not fully offset inflation or unexpected expenses that come with advanced age.
Seniors living past 90 often face unique financial challenges. Healthcare costs tend to rise significantly due to increased medical needs, prescription drugs, long-term care, and potential assisted living or nursing home expenses. Medicare helps cover many medical costs, but it does not cover everything, and out-of-pocket expenses can be substantial. Social Security benefits alone rarely cover these additional costs, meaning many seniors must rely on savings, pensions, family support, or other income sources.
Another important aspect is the earnings limit for those who continue to work while receiving Social Security benefits. For seniors under full retirement age, there are restrictions on how much they can earn without reducing their benefits. However, once full retirement age is reached, there is no limit on earnings, which can help some seniors supplement their income. Still, working past 90 is uncommon, so this option is limited for most.
The maximum Social Security benefit is capped, and few retirees qualify for it because it requires a high lifetime earning history. Most seniors receive benefits well below the maximum, which means their Social Security income may only cover a fraction of their living expenses. For those who have not saved enough or do not have additional retirement income, this can lead to financial strain.
Housing is another major expense for seniors. Many prefer to age in place, but maintaining a home can be costly. Others may move to senior living communities or assisted living facilities, which can be expensive and often exceed what Social Security benefits can cover. Transportation, utilities, food, and other daily living costs
