Ignoring that social is right in the name, it's not the same as a private pension. The money that we are taxed is used to pay those currently receiving social security which does not only include retirees. From the beginning, Congress has increased and cut benefits, so it's never a dollar for dollar return. Benefits also favor lower wage earners, but people have been brainwashed into thinking this is a retirement plan they have earned. It's fairly straightforward socialism. The government decides how much you have to pay, what they're going to do with the money, when you're going to get a return, and how much of a return you'll get all for the sake of public welfare.