Social Security's $34.2 Trillion Problem

For better or worse, Social Security is a vital program for our nation's seniors. According to an analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the mere fact that Social Security provides guaranteed monthly income to eligible retired workers ensures that more than 15 million of them remain above the federal poverty line.

This results in a senior poverty rate of less than 9%. Comparatively, it would be an estimated 40.5% without Social Security.