This system is just a Ponzi scheme and after spending your entire life paying into it, you are unlikely to see a single dime. Don't expect the government to take care of you. Imagine how much better off you would be if you didn't have to pay that chunk of your LABOR to the government. Archive: https://archive.today/TucsU From the post: >>The head actuaries for Social Security and Medicare have testified before a House committee about looming financial challenges which could see funds run short by 2035. Social Security relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to around 70 million Americans. But an aging population is pushing up the cost of the program as a smaller share of people are paying into it, and spending is outpacing income.