Social Security faces a long-term financing shortfall. According to the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, is projected to deplete its reserves in the fourth quarter of 2032. Ongoing program income would continue after that point, but under current projections would be sufficient to pay about 78% of scheduled benefits.
Source: Social Security Administration, 2026 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees

Social Security’s long-term financing challenge has been discussed for many years, and proposals from policymakers and researchers have included changes to revenue, benefits, retirement rules, and other parts of the system.

This discussion focuses on one particular idea: whether retirees with substantial income outside Social Security could receive reduced Social Security benefits so that more program resources remain available for people who depend more heavily on the program.

Supporters may view this as a way to focus limited resources on retirees who need them most. Opponents may argue that Social Security is an earned benefit tied to a worker’s lifetime contributions and should not be reduced because that person also saved or accumulated other retirement income.

What do you think? 

Would this approach strengthen Social Security fairly, or would it change the nature of the program in a way you would oppose? If you support the general idea, where should the income thresholds be set?