The program is supported by the vast majority of Americans, but, unless changes are made, it will start running out of money to pay full benefits in 2033.

Other pressing economic issues haven’t made it a priority. But some lawmakers want to raise the amount. 

The Social Security Administration could lose at least 7,000 workers under recommended staff cuts by DOGE. That could lead to serious delays in benefits processing.

The 2024 cost-of-living adjustment comes out to 3.2%, a pretty modest amount compared to past years.

The adjustment is likely to be announced this week and expected to be around 9%. It’s welcome news for recipients struggling with inflation.

But inflation will eat into the raise.

The origin story of 65 can be traced back to the 30s, when President Roosevelt sought to make retirement available to everyone.

Undocumented immigrants contributed an estimated $13 billion into Social Security funds in 2016.

Using an index that's representative of retirees would mean a bigger monthly check, but it's a tough sell.