German armies used the Skull & Cross bones many times. In the image above we see the Totenkopf, a German word for the deathmanÂ´s head. This is an old symbol of momenti mori. It consists usually of the skull and the mandible of the human skeleton.
You generally need to work for 10 years to qualify for benefits (unless youâre receiving benefits through a spouse -- see How Spouses Can Maximize Social Security Benefits for more information). The maximum earnings that count toward your benefit are $118,500 in 2015.
And nearly a quarter of married couples and almost half of unmarried retirees rely on Social Security payments for at least 90% of income. With an average monthly Social Security check of around $1,230 per month, seniors are receiving average annual payments that total just $14,760 a year. Money 101: Planning for retirement.