The many alternatives for changing Social Security will affect beneficiaries, workers and their families, and the economy in different ways, and individuals will have different views as to the relative importance of these effects. Below are some of the questions that are likely to be raised in the ongoing discussion around the future of Social Security.
Questions relating to such basic issues as the adequacy and fairness of benefits are subjective.
How they are answered and how the answers are interpreted will vary, depending on individual points of view. In addition, there will be disagreement among experts on the answers to questions relating to such matters as how specific changes will affect the economy. However, the discussion that will take place in response to these questions will help to inform the decisions that policy makers and the public must make if the future solvency of Social Security is to be assured. The many alternatives for changing Social Security will affect beneficiaries, workers and their families, and the economy in different ways, and individuals will have different views as to the relative importance of these effects.