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As another massive program I have spent some time studying the SS issues. In 1983 both parties agreed to start taxing our Social Security which had already been taxed when earned. It was agreed that 90% of all money earned should be taxed according to a formula (Tax Max). In 1983 a $25,000 deduction was allowed for singles, and a $32,000 allowed for couples in that formula. Apparently the easy decision was made to increase the maximum tax according to inflation (usually 2% to 4%). However, for the rest of that decade and later high paid people had wages increased by as much as 10% to 20% each year. So Tax Max has floated down to around 82% for a number of years. Now SS is in trouble from insufficient collections. So start deducting using the 90% Tax Max, not the 82% Tax Max collected because the rich are no longer paying their fair share. Call your Congresscritters.

Also since 1983 there has been NO INCREASE in deductions allowed for calculating tax due from SS. Now, a rate ($25K/$32K) planned to target comfortable middle class retirees is hurting the struggling elderly too. According to the CPI Inflation Calculator, $25,000 should now be about $67,500, and $32,000 should be $86,500 (both figures rounded). That is 38 years with NO INCREASE. Call your Congresscritters.

Then there is the Lump Sum Death Benefit which was stabilized at $255 in 1974. Increased for inflation it should now be $1,392. Maybe enough for a very cheap cremation. Get mad, call your Congresscritters.