Social Security is an essential source of income for American seniors. About half of households with someone age 65 or older receive the majority of their income from the government program, according to multiple studies reviewed by the Social Security Administration.

The first round of February’s Social Security payments, worth up to $5,108 for the highest-income earners who retire at age 70, will go out to the first group of retirees in eight days. Here is all you need to know about this month’s Social Security payments, which go out in three rounds.