Social Security is one of America's most popular programs, with 86% of Americans reporting a positive view of it, according to a survey commissioned by the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation.
Unfortunately, many are worried about its future, with over half of the survey’s respondents saying they've heard about its financial troubles. Those concerns center on the fact the Social Security Trust Fund is expected to run dry in 2035, leaving the program only able to pay benefits out of incoming revenue and necessitating a 17% cut to promised payments.
Americans have some thoughts on how to fix this situation, though. In fact, 53% would support reducing benefits for the top 40% of earners, a move that would reduce the coming shortfall by 23%. The big question, though, is whether this would be a good solution or cause more problems than it solves.