How the nation’s most enduring safety net was built, why it’s strained, and what comes next.
PRAY FIRST for wisdom among policymakers and that leaders would seek solutions that balance sustainability with compassion.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
The Social Security Act of 1935 was born in the wake of the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress designed it to protect older Americans from poverty—offering a system of retirement insurance funded by payroll contributions. At the time, the intent was straightforward: no worker who had given their years to the economy should face destitution in old age.
In this Part 1 of 2, we will look at how Social Security was built, how it has changed over the years, and the current issues that need to be overcome to keep Social Security healthy.
From Foundation to Cornerstone
Over the decades, Social Security expanded well beyond retirement checks. Survivor benefits, disability insurance, and cost-of-living adjustments turned it into a lifeline for tens of millions. Today, nearly 67 million people—retirees, disabled workers, and dependents—receive benefits each month. What began as a limited pension program is now the largest federal benefit system and often described as the cornerstone of America’s social safety net.
The program’s importance lies not only in its scale but in its reach. For many households, Social Security is the difference between stability and poverty in retirement. For others, it provides critical disability income. This dual role of financial security and social equity explains why debates about its future stir such urgency.
Current Strains on the System
However, the system finds itself under serious pressure. Trustees project that, without reforms, the combined trust funds will be depleted by 2035, after which incoming payroll taxes will cover only about 83% of scheduled benefits.
Two demographic shifts drive this squeeze. First, Americans are living longer, meaning they draw benefits for more years. Second, birth rates have declined, leaving fewer workers to support more retirees. In 1960, there were about five workers per beneficiary. Today, that number has dropped to less than three and is projected to keep falling.
Economic downturns also compound these stresses. When unemployment rises, payroll tax revenue shrinks even as more people rely on Social Security. The program is resilient but not immune to the cycles of the broader economy.
Reform Ideas on the Table
In response, policymakers have proposed a variety of solutions. Raising the retirement age would reflect longer lifespans but risks burdening workers in physically demanding jobs. Increasing payroll taxes or lifting the cap on taxable income, which is currently $168,600, would generate new revenue, though critics argue it could strain higher earners and businesses.
Other ideas include adjusting cost-of-living increases, slowing benefit growth but reducing retirees’ purchasing power. More controversial are proposals to allow private investment of Social Security funds. Proponents argue it could yield higher returns; opponents warn of market risk undermining guaranteed benefits.
Addressing Disparities in Access
Benefits can affect segments of the population in different ways. For example, Social Security benefits are not experienced uniformly. Women, individuals from minority communities, and lower-income workers more often rely more heavily on these benefits due to lower lifetime earnings and limited access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Additionally, the disability insurance component of Social Security, which supports individuals unable to work due to medical conditions, faces its own financial challenges but remains a critical resource for millions.
As policymakers consider reform options, a key question remains: how can changes ensure long-term solvency while continuing to support those who depend on the system most?
Why It Matters and How We Can Respond
The debate about Social Security is not only about numbers on a balance sheet. It is about how a society honors the dignity of work, the value of aging, and the security of the vulnerable. We are called to think deeply about this. Scripture reminds us that honoring elders and caring for those in need is central to a faithful life: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27).
We should also guard against cynicism. When political rhetoric distorts the truth, followers of Christ are called to respond with both clarity and compassion, correcting falsehoods without contempt. As Paul wrote, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:6). This conversation matters because it forces us to wrestle with our responsibilities to each other, to the generations that came before us, and to those who will follow. It offers an opportunity not only to advocate for policy that sustains Social Security but also to embody a posture of generosity, truthfulness, and care.
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for solidarity between younger and older Americans and that fear and suspicion would be replaced with understanding. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1
— Pray for compassion in equity debates and for God’s guidance in ensuring reforms protect those most dependent on the system. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray that we would model compassion in conversations about retirement security, offering both hope and practical help to those in need.
- Pray that we would not be swayed by fear or misinformation but by truth and understanding.
- Pray for God to cultivate a spirit of giving, where younger and older alike see Social Security not as a burden but as mutual care.
Sources: Congressional Budget Office, Social Security Administration, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, National Academy of Social Insurance, Pew Research Center, Social Security Administration
