For most retired Americans, Social Security is a foundational program. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Social Security is responsible for pulling more than 21.7 million people out of poverty each year, including nearly 15.4 million adults aged 65 and over. 

Furthermore, national pollster Gallup finds that close to 90% of current retirees rely on their monthly Social Security check, in some capacity, to cover their expenses. 

In other words, Social Security income is a necessity to sustain the financial well-being of our nation's seniors. This also means it's imperative for retirees to get the most they can out of the program.

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Source Fool.com