The first round of May’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, will go out to retirees in four days. Social Security payments typically begin on the second Wednesday of every month,

On April 23, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue the final payment of the month. This payment is crucial for those born between the 21st and 31st, as well as for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries.

Social Security is a major source of income for nearly 73 million Americans — but how far does the average check actually go? We break down average benefits by age and gender, how its calculated and making the most of your monthly check.