There is no question that Americans are relying more on their Social Security benefits to fund a comfortable retirement.

And considering that the average Social Security benefit amounts to only about $1,650 a month—which isn’t even $20,000 a year—it is very important to make sure that everyone gets the full amount they are entitled to every month.

However, instead of only focusing on how to raise those benefits, it is also prudent to make decisions that won’t decrease future Social Security checks. Here are three useful scenarios to take a deeper dive into.

Working While Receiving Benefits

According to personal finance expert Katie Brockman at The Motley Fool, “you don’t necessarily have to retire when you start claiming Social Security, but if you continue working after filing for benefits, your monthly payments could be reduced.”

The total reduction to the benefits will all depend on income size and one’s full retirement age.

“If you haven’t yet reached your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over the limit of $19,560 per year,” Brockman noted.

“If you will reach your FRA this year, your earnings are subject to a different limit. In this case, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $3 you earn over $51,960 per year,” she continued.

Do take note, though, that those reductions won’t last forever. Once reaching full retirement age, the benefit amount will be recalculated with the withheld money in mind. Moreover, if people decide to continue working well into their seventies or later, the checks will not take a hit no matter how much they’re earning.

Watch Out for the Tax Man

As many recipients already know, Social Security benefits are subject to both state and federal income taxes.

According to Investopedia, up to 50 percent of income from Social Security is taxable for people who have a gross income of  $25,000 or more.

The site goes on to mention that “up to 85 percent of Social Security benefits are taxable for an individual with a combined gross income of at least $34,000 or a couple filing jointly with a combined gross income of at least $44,000.”

On the state level, Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia tax Social Security benefits.

Debt Problems

It might be a nightmare scenario, but the Social Security Administration can, in fact, withhold a portion of a person’s Social Security checks to settle outstanding debt, such as overdue federal taxes or child support.

According to Brockman, “In most cases, the Social Security Administration cannot garnish more than 15 percent of your benefits.”

“Keep in mind, too, that your benefits cannot be withheld due to unpaid debt from private creditors, such as credit card debt, medical debt, car payments, or a private student loan,” she concluded.

Like many things in life, it pays to start thinking about your plan for Social Security ahead of time.

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Washington state-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek, and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.

Image: Reuters.