12 Comments
⭠ Return to thread

The object is to make beneficiaries hate the administration of the program so much that Congress will be able to give the trust funds for investment in the markts.

Most vulnerable are SSI recipients because their payments come via the bidget and not the trust funds.

I've been working on a solution to save the retirement fund using charitable deductions. Several of the former comissioners thanked me and SSA has a web site explaining it. The default of Trust Funds is supposed to apex in 2033. After 2034, birth rates of later generations flatten and the funds can be solvent.

https://www.ssa.gov/agency/donations.html

Why doesn't SSA advertise that donations can flatten the curve and extend the default date ?

Expand full comment

If the millionaires and billionaires paid their fair share into Social Security tax, the program would remain solvent, and the monthly disbursement to seniors, disabled would allow for a significant COLA each year!

Expand full comment

Takes legislation. We had trouble with even Obama and Biden.....we can't expect Congress to come to the rescue.

Expand full comment

Unfortunately Congress is an integral part in making laws to have the rich pay their fair share! It’s their responsibility as the people’s branch of government.

Expand full comment

Not. in the near future.

Expand full comment

Social Security is an insurance program which benefits us all.

If a young worker dies in an accident, or due to cancer, etc., Social Security can replace part of the lost income if the worker paid FICA taxes for as little as 6 quarters (depending on the worker's age at death).

If a worker under retirement age becomes permanently disabled, Social Security can replace part of the lost income for the worker, children in some cases, and spouse in some cases, if the worker paid FICA taxes for as little as 6 quarters (depending on the worker's age at time of disability).

If I pay my house insurance and don't have to make a claim because a storm didn't damage my roof, I am glad to have had the coverage anyway. Similarly, if I don't die or become disabled, I am still glad to have the Social Security coverage.

Our society benefits: when seniors get their Social Security benefits, they can pay for their food, shelter, etc., without having to ask their kids to pay Mom/Dad's bills or move in with their kids. Their kids can then use their money for their own needs and to raise their own children. Not to mention the seniors tend to put those Social Security benefits right back into the economy, keeping our consumer economy humming.

Expand full comment

Donations like taxing the rich? I'm about donationed out

Expand full comment

Wealthy people get a dollar for dollar deduction. Many of the extremely wealthyhave a family foundation, which gives them further braeaks.

I'm afariad we'll never control Congress. The rich thing that Biden went too far....

Expand full comment

We may control congress before you think, old farts are dropping dead. 1 repub and 2 Dems since the beginning of the year

Expand full comment

Feathers of Hope. Bugt even many Democrats don't want the cap option. They're many others such as extend the required quarters of coverage, change gthe multiplier from 35 years, raise beneficiary ages, etc.

Expand full comment

This could work, but not now while DJT is intent on privatizing Social Security to benefit the wealthy who'd raid and/or fail to safeguard the Trust Funds. If we donated right now, the oligarchs would just confiscate a bigger pot of money.

As of 2034 (give or take), the Trust Funds are projected to be depleted -- but Social Security would still be paid out of ongoing FICA taxes. Those FICA taxes wouldn't cover the entire amount due, so projections are that Social Security checks would continue to be paid but at a lesser amount. Deporting undocumented immigrants will exacerbate the demise of the Trust Fund because they do pay into Social Security but cannot qualify for Social Security benefits. There's a lot of money sitting in the Trust Funds which won't be claimed by these undocumented immigrants.

Reagan signed a bipartisan bill into law in 1983 which provided for tweaks to the funding and eligibility requirements & said that would make Social Security solvent for 30 years. Here we are, 42 years later, and Social Security is still solvent albeit in need of updated funding. No other government program or agency is funded past the end of the Fiscal Year (or Continuing Resolution), so Social Security is more securely funded than, say, the Defense Department. It all comes down to Congressional intent.

Expand full comment

Don't need much to move the default date. One donor like Musk could do it....

Expand full comment