The value of Social Security benefits keeps rising – while the number of workers per recipient keeps falling. From 1970 to 2010, the ratio of workers funding the program to Social Security beneficiaries fell from 3.6 workers per recipient to just 2.8 workers per recipient. Meanwhile, the value of Social Security benefits goes up. Adjusting for inflation, the average Social Security payment rose 38 percent between 1972 and 2011, thanks to changes made by Congress.
How much did the Social Security payroll tax increase in that time? See today’s infographic for the whole story. Then look in “What Do Others Say?” for opinions about how big a problem this may be. Add your own below: do you think this trend poses a risk to the program?
