13 Social Security Facts to Help You Plan for Retirement

The data doesn’t lie: You’re probably going to be reliant on Social Security in some capacity when you retire.

According to two relatively new surveys from national pollster Gallup, 90% of current retirees lean on their monthly payout as either a “major” or “minor” source of income. As for nonretirees, 83% expect Social Security will be a major or minor source of income when they retire. Both figures are tied with, or near, all-time highs since Gallup began this poll more than 17 years ago.

With Social Security responsible for pulling more than 22 million people out of poverty each and every month, most of which are retired workers, it’s imperative to know the ins and outs of this program so you can get your fair share.

Here are 13 Social Security facts you’ll want to know when planning for retirement.