Social Security & Medicare

“Social Security is going bankrupt and will be gone.”

"Social Security is running out of money and will eventually disappear."

What's actually true

Social Security faces a real financing shortfall, but running down its trust fund reserves is not the same as going bankrupt or disappearing. Payroll taxes would still come in, providing money to pay most—but not all—scheduled benefits. Without changes from Congress, depleted reserves would mean substantial benefit cuts, not the end of Social Security.

Where they have a point

The funding problem is real, and people who depend on those checks have good reason to worry. Fixing it requires difficult choices about taxes, benefits, or both.

Say this (15 seconds)

There’s a real funding problem, but ‘gone’ isn’t right. Even if the reserves run out, payroll taxes keep coming in. The risk is smaller checks—not no checks—and Congress needs to address that.

Then ask

What worries you most about fixing it—higher taxes, smaller benefits, or Congress waiting too long?

Sources

Pass the gravy (exit line)

That’s enough retirement planning over dinner. Who’s ready for pie?

“Illegal immigrants are collecting Social Security.”

"People living in the U.S. without legal immigration status are receiving Social Security benefits."

What's actually true

People living in the U.S. unlawfully generally cannot receive monthly Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Some noncitizens who are lawfully present can qualify, so “noncitizen” doesn’t mean “undocumented.” Many undocumented workers pay Social Security taxes without being able to collect benefits while they lack lawful status. Having a Social Security number alone doesn’t establish eligibility.

Where they have a point

It’s fair to want benefits paid only to eligible people and fraud investigated. But an individual case of fraud wouldn’t mean undocumented immigrants are legally entitled to benefits.

Say this (15 seconds)

If you mean people here without legal status, they generally can’t collect Social Security. Some actually pay into it without being able to collect. Legal immigrants can qualify—that’s an important distinction.

Then ask

Do you remember whether the story was about undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, or someone committing fraud?

Sources

Pass the gravy (exit line)

Anyway, that’s enough paperwork talk for dinner. Who wants more potatoes?