Congressman Sander Levin

Social Security

For more than 75 years, Social Security has been the foundation of a secure retirement in the United States. Social Security is the only universal, portable, defined benefit system for American workers, and it is a program I strongly support. It is vital to preserve and strengthen Social Security, both for today’s retirees and tomorrow’s.

About 56 million people receive monthly benefits from Social Security, or 1 out of every 4 households. Over 90 percent of seniors receive Social Security benefits. The current average social security benefit for a retired worker is $1,160 a month. In addition to providing retirement benefits, Social Security is also a crucial life and disability insurance program, supporting widows(ers), children and adults.

Although some have used scare tactics to argue that the Social Security program is in danger of going bankrupt, the truth is that Social Security is still the most secure retirement benefit for most Americans. As has been the case for many years, Social Security is bringing in more money each year than it is paying out. According to the most recent projection of the Social Security Trustees, Social Security is projected to run annual surpluses until 2016. Starting in about 2016, Social Security will begin redeeming the Treasury bonds held in its reserves. It will continue doing so until about 2037; even after that, the payroll taxes coming into Social Security will still be sufficient to pay 75 percent of currently expected benefits. Congress will be able to take action well before 2037 to close the remaining gap.

Social Security benefits are for both retired people and people who become disabled. There is currently a large backlog in processing appeals for Social Security disability claims. I have been working with my colleagues to address this backlog.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives, which oversees the Social Security program, I will continue to fight to strengthen Social Security. I have opposed efforts to privatize social security or cut benefits and will continue to do so.

If you need assistance with an individual Social Security issue, please see my Social Security assistance page for information or contact my District Office at (586) 498-7122 with any questions or concerns you may have.

(Updated November 3, 2010)

• FAQ about Social Security
• Why Social Security is Important