For most Americans, Social Security provides, or will eventually provide, more than just a check or direct deposit each month. It represents a vital source of income that's consistently helped between 80% and 90% of retired workers cover some of their monthly expenses, according to more than two decades of annual surveys from national pollster Gallup. 

For this overwhelming majority, maximizing what they'll receive from America's top retirement program is of great importance -- and that all starts with understanding the four key factors that influence your monthly Social Security benefit.

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Source Fool.com