Getting a handle on the average Social Security check by age can help you fine-tune your retirement. Every month, 51.2 million retired workers receive monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA),

I am 72 and delayed getting Social Security benefits until I was 70 to increase the benefits. I have remarried, and my new wife is 53. If she starts receiving reduced spousal benefits before reaching her full retirement age,

To qualify for spousal Social Security, you need to be married to someone who's entitled to receive either retirement or disability benefits. In general, you also need to be at least 62 years old to file. If you're caring for a child who is either disabled or under age 16, though, you can begin claiming at any age.

Social Security provides monthly payments to beneficiaries, providing a much needed buffer for everyday expenses that would normally be hard to attain. Millions of Americans rely on their Social Security checks but may be concerned to learn that these benefits aren't guaranteed -- and that you can lose your benefits in certain situations.