Most of us depend on a paycheck to provide the funds we need to cover costs of living. But when you retire, your paycheck ends even though you still need a source of support.

While different retirees may have their own unique income streams, such as money from alimony or from real estate investments, the most common sources of cash for seniors include the following.

1. Social Security For 50% of married couples and 70% of unmarried people, Social Security retirement benefits provide at least half of all income after leaving the workforce. And for 21% of married couples and 45% of unmarried persons, benefits account for at least 90% of retirement income.

This is unfortunate, as these benefits are not designed to be such a major source of support. Social Security benefits generally replace around 40% of pre-retirement income, while most experts suggest you need to replace around 80% of what you were earning.

You can maximize the amount of monthly checks by making sure you work at least 35 years, as benefits are calculated based on inflation-adjusted average earnings over this time period. Working longer if you’re earning a high income can also boost benefits because you increase your average wage by replacing some years of lower earnings with higher-earning years.

You’ll also get a larger check if you wait to claim benefits until at least full retirement age, or until age 70 to earn delayed retirement credits. You can learn more in our guide to how your age at filing affects your Social Security benefit.

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