Estimating your Social Security income is a big part of preparing for retirement. It's essential to know exactly how much money you're going to receive in your Social Security checks every month. The good news is that it's easy to find out with a free online tool from the Social Security Administration.

Among retired workers, the average benefit amount at age 67 is $1,883.50 per month, according to December 2023 data from the Social Security Administration. Men aged 67 collect an average of $2,093.70 per month, while the average woman receives $1,676.20 per month.

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.

It is possible to be eligible for Social Security with a work history as short as 10 (not necessarily consecutive) years. But if you hope to maximize your benefits, it's important