Social Security explained: Are your benefits safe from DOGE?

The author initially held misconceptions about Social Security, believing it unsustainable. Researching and writing a book on the topic drastically changed their perspective. They now advocate for a better understanding of the program's value and history. Social Security, enacted during the Great Depression, was designed as a direct transfer from current workers to retirees. This system avoids the need for long-term investment and ensures ongoing benefit payments. The program has undergone several modifications throughout its history, expanding coverage and adjusting benefits. A significant 1983 overhaul addressed the impending retirement of baby boomers. While the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to be depleted by 2035, benefits won't disappear entirely, only reducing by about 17%. The author stresses that this is a manageable shortfall, not an impending collapse. The true threat to Social Security isn't financial insolvency but political dismantling. Public understanding and engagement are crucial to preserving this vital program.