Most people know that some seniors' Social Security checks are larger than others', but if you ask them how benefits are calculated, you probably won't get a clear answer. Some understand that it has to do with your income during your working years, but that's not the only factor in play.

Understanding how the Social Security Administration assigns benefits is essential if you hope to maximize yours. And there's one component in particular that could add hundreds of dollars to your monthly benefit -- or cost you just as much.

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Source Fool.com