Married or Divorced? You Could Be Owed an Extra $757 per Month in Social Security Benefits

Approximately 85% of older Americans depend on Social Security in retirement, according to a report from the Society of Actuaries, with nearly two-thirds of those retirees saying their monthly checks are a major source of income. Whether you expect Social Security to play a significant role in your retirement or not, it's a good idea to ensure you're maximizing your monthly checks. In general, your Social Security benefit amount is based on your work record and your earnings throughout your career.