In the last 20 to 30 years, the composition of American households has shifted. Families nowadays are diverse and culturally rich, and may include two parents, same-sex parents, only one parent, grandparents, and other relatives. Every family is vital to Social Security, whether it is a single parent, a blended family, varied, small or large. Social Security benefits cover the majority of a household's income when someone in the household works and earns money. The amount of benefit you receive depends on your work history, how long you live after your full retirement age, and how much you pay into the system. Your monthly check will be based on an average of your past wages over your working life. When someone retires at full retirement age, they stop working and start receiving their benefits. If they had been paying into the system for several decades, then they can draw out their entire account balance as a lump sum payment or a series of payments over time. Otherwise, they can take their full monthly benefit as long as they live. Even if they die before reaching full retirement age, their beneficiaries will still get a portion of their account based on their own personal earnings history. Social Security was created in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a social safety net for workers who could not be depended upon during times of unemployment or illness. Since then, its scope has grown to include all Americans, regardless of income or wealth. Today, it provides security in old age, disability, death, and unemployment.