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 six days. Social Security payments typically begin on the second Wednesday of every month,

Because of the calendar, Social Security recipients who get Supplemental Security Income benefits get two checks in May, but no check in June.

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.