Without Social Security, millions of Americans would be living below the poverty line. With it, many don't -- even though the average monthly retirement benefit of $1,975 (as of December) is not all that huge.

This Social Security Fairness Act checklist explains what public sector retirees can expect from SSFA, including how much more money they might receive.

Tens of millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits for a substantial portion of their retirement income. Not only is Social Security a valuable source of retirement income, with the average retired worker receiving about $1,975 per month, but it is also the only inflation-protected source of income many retirees have.

The Social Security Fairness Act will eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, restoring benefits many public workers were previously denied.

Older Americans get choices when it comes to claiming Social Security. The earliest age you can file for benefits is 62, and waiting until full retirement age means avoiding a reduction in your monthly paycheck. You can also delay Social Security past full retirement age for a larger benefit each month for life.

President Joe Biden signed into law a new social security measure that ensures recipients of the benefit more money. New rules outlined in the law eliminates two requirements that reduced Social Security benefits for workers who receive income from public pensions.