Social Security provides monthly payments to beneficiaries, providing a much needed buffer for everyday expenses that would normally be hard to attain. Millions of Americans rely on their Social Security checks but may be concerned to learn that these benefits aren't guaranteed -- and that you can lose your benefits in certain situations.

To qualify for spousal Social Security, you need to be married to someone who's entitled to receive either retirement or disability benefits. In general, you also need to be at least 62 years old to file. If you're caring for a child who is either disabled or under age 16, though, you can begin claiming at any age.

California lawmakers have passed a law to end a long-standing practice of counties intercepting Social Security survivor benefits.

Although the amount of your Social Security benefit is readily available on the ssa.gov website or from other sources, that number is not necessarily the amount that will actually be deposited in