Social Security can make or break retirement for many older adults. Just over 20% of U.S. adults age 50 and older have no other retirement income outside of their benefits, according to a 2023 survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute, so it's wise to squeeze every penny out of your monthly checks.

Retirement benefits are the most common form of Social Security, and you generally become eligible for them once you've worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years.

Even if you've never worked, though, there's another type of benefit you could qualify for -- and the average retiree collects just over $900 per month. Here's everything you need to know.

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Source Fool.com