Ausbury.com

August 3, 2008

Social Security’s Congressional Disclaimer

I got my Social Security Statement in the mail today. I’m not sure how often these are sent out…seems like I get 2 or 3 each year.

I was reading along and scanning the numbers like I usually do and found something I hadn’t noticed before: The Congressional Disclaimer.

In the fine print, it says that Congress can change my estimated benefits at any time. It also says that by 2041 (when I’m on a beach smoking my pipe at age 75), payroll taxes collected will be enough to pay only about 78% of my benefits. Yeah!!! Why not just do the math and show me 78% of my estimated benefits to begin with?