The words 'Social Security is running out of money' can sound like a warning that retirement cheques could one day simply stop arriving. That fear is already influencing when some Americans plan to claim benefits.
But that is not what the latest government projections show. Social Security's retirement trust fund is projected to deplete its reserves in late 2032. Even if Congress made no changes, payroll taxes and other continuing income would still flow into the programme and fund most scheduled retirement benefits.