Should Social Security Benefits Be Adjusted for Retirees With Higher Outside Income?

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. One proposal for improving Social Security's finances is to reduce benefits for retirees who have substantial retirement income from sources other than Social Security, while preserving full benefits for retirees who depend more heavily on Social Security. This poll asks what you think about that approach. It is one of a series of GAMC polls intended to examine different ideas for strengthening Social Security for current and future generations. Source: Social Security Administration, 2026 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees — https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/TR/2026/