In January, that average Social Security check for the more than 50 million retired workers collecting a monthly benefit was $1,909.01. This may not sound like much, but according to the Centers on Budget and Policy Priorities, Social Security benefits have reduced the poverty rate for seniors by nearly three quarters -- from an estimated 39% without Social Security to 10% with monthly payouts.

Social Security is unquestionably America's top retirement program, and it's a necessity to make ends meet for nearly 9 out of 10 current retirees.

Unfortunately, it's also a program that's rife with misinformation and outright lies, some of which could coerce future retirees into a disadvantageous claim. What follows are three of the most egregious Social Security lies you've been told, and might have even believed.

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Source Fool.com