“It’s ok for us to be cashing the checks. ( actually, the SS ledger entry is transferred to my ledger entry electronically and never touched or seen by a human)”
Socially? Of course. It’s a time-honored tradition now for Americans to take others money for their own use.
Morally? probably not.
It’s just more honest to accept the fact that you are taking other people’s money when you “cash” the check. Once enough folks understand this - we can change it - even better eliminate it.
It’s better (and more American) in the long run for everyone if we do. Except for the folks that are used to living off of others.
Think in terms of ledger entries. my electronic ledger at SS shows a negative balance because some time back, the contributions I made were reduced by payments to others producing a deficit balance. those funds are being replaced by contributions to my account that reduces the deficit.
If I live a long time, I may actually have more paid out than was originally paid in because I was fortunate to live and the today’s pay outs are inflated.
It might be a problem unless as it seems likely many living obese unhealthy life styles don’t make it to 65 . those that die young will not miss the payouts to me