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.
For 2017, the calculations reveal that the average monthly Social Security check is $1,377 with a maximum benefit of $2,687 a month. But in 2018 Social Securityâs cost of living adjustment (COLA) and an increase in income that succumbs to payroll taxes will raise the average and maximum Social Security stipend benefit to $1,404 and $2,788.