The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. Many policymakers spell out the details of their reform proposals but, when describing how those proposals will affect lives, do not distinguish between groups of retirees. In reality, groups of retirees will experience reform differently and will take on a degree of burden for reform consistent with their socioeconomic status.
Most reforms share a basic premise.
They attempt to save money and, at the same time, maintain the safety net for the most needy. So, regardless of the specifics, any reform that becomes law will probably do both of these things. By assuming these common traits, we can focus on reform s potential impact on different groups of retirees. This exercise gives us a better idea of the repercussions of Social Security reform for recipients, regardless of which laws are eventually passed. Even if the current benefit structure is maintained, high-income retirees will bear a disproportionate responsibility for the additional taxes required to address the system s solvency.