Social Security is probably going to be more vital to your future financial security than you think. But it could provide less than you'd like or were expecting; the average monthly retirement benefit was $1,669 recently (about $20,000 per year). But whatever it delivers will be important: According to the Social Security Administration, the program provides about 30% of the income of elderly people.

So it's important to make smart decisions that help you get as much as possible in benefits. Here are three strategies to help you do so.

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Source Fool.com