Social Security is big business, and crucial to many Americans, sending out more than $113 billion each month to more than 66 million beneficiaries.

The average total retirement benefit going to a retired couple age 62 or older was $2,952 as of June, providing about $35,400 in annual income. The average retirement benefit per person was recently $1,828 as of June, totaling around $22,000 on an annual basis.

It might not be as much as you'd want, but it can still make a difference between a financially precarious retirement or a manageable one.

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Source Fool.com