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.

In 26 days, Supplemental Security Income checks for March, worth up to $967 for individual filers, will be sent to eligible recipients. On Feb. 28, the Social Security Administration will issue SSI payments to eligible citizens, in accordance with the agency’s mandate that recipients must get these benefits by the first day of each month.