The United States wants to completely change its Social Security system. The alarm has gone off because the trust fund that supports pensions is running out, and it is estimated that it could be depleted in less than a decade.
Although there are no firm decisions yet, proposals are already on the table, from raising the retirement age to reducing benefits.
Among those leading the debate are Donald Trump and Elon Musk, of course, the two most controversial voices of this year.
What once seemed unthinkable is starting to sound louder and louder. The system, as we know it, is in danger. And this is especially concerning for those who rely most on their monthly pension to survive, our elderly and people with disabilities. Because if no action is taken soon, automatic cuts of 20% in payments could occur starting in 2035.
Why has this debate opened up?
The problem has a clear root: there are more and more retirees and fewer active workers supporting the system with their contributions. And without a balance between what comes in and what goes out, the trust fund will eventually run out.
Since it was created in 1935, Social Security has been the financial support for millions of older Americans, people with disabilities, and families. But the demographic reality has changed. And with it, the urgency to do something to prevent the system from collapsing.
What are Trump and Musk proposing?
The proposals being discussed are not exactly the same, but they point in the same direction: to make the system sustainable in the long term, even if that means making tough and controversial decisions like the ones Musk has been making with DOGE.
Raise the retirement age
One of the most repeated ideas is to raise the retirement age from 67 to 70. This would reduce the time the system has to pay benefits. But it would also leave those working in physical sectors or those reaching 60 without real job options in a difficult situation.
Reduce payments to new retirees
Another proposal is to cut benefits for those who retire in the future. Those close to retirement may not notice the hit, but younger generations will: after years of contributing, they would receive less than expected.
Cut public spending in other areas
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There is also talk of cutting government spending in other programs to redirect funds to Social Security. It sounds good on paper, but experts warn: this doesn’t always translate into real relief for the system.
How could these changes affect you?
If you plan to retire in the coming years, it is possible that the new measures will arrive just in time to affect your pension. Perhaps not immediately, but in the medium term, so we’ll need to start saving to have funds.
And for those who are already retired, there is no guarantee that their current benefits will remain intact. If the system is not corrected, the automatic 20% cut could affect everyone, regardless of age or health status.
For those living paycheck to paycheck, any adjustment is a blow. Many people depend entirely on that monthly check to pay rent, medicines, or food. And that’s precisely the core of the debate: how to make the system last without leaving the most vulnerable behind.
What can you do right now?
Although nothing has been approved yet, it’s time to act while we still have time. Not as an entity, but personally.
- Check the official Social Security (SSA) website regularly. Any major changes will appear there first.
- Make sure the information SSA has about you is up to date. This will avoid delays or mistakes when it’s time to claim your pension.
- If you are over 50, consider new options. You may need to work a little longer or look for alternative income. A financial advisor can help you calculate what’s best for you based on your personal situation.
This is not an exaggeration. The Social Security model has been at its limit for years, and now it faces its deepest reform in almost a century.
The ideas are on the table, and although nothing is signed yet, the mere fact that they are being discussed at this level says a lot.
