The importance of Social Security for our nation's current and future retirees simply can't be overstated enough. Of the nearly 61.8 million people receiving a Social Security benefit check in October, 68.5% (42.29 million) were retired workers. Of these retirees, some 62% will rely on their Social Security check, which averages $1,374.55 a month, for at least half of their monthly income. Slightly more than a third lean on their monthly Social Security stipend for practically all of their income (90% or more).