Provisions That Could Change the Social Security Program

Annual Trustees Reports contain estimates of the future financial status of Social Security's Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds under current law. Recent Reports call for informed discussion, creative thinking, and timely legislation to address expected future deficits. In response, various provisions have been suggested to modify the Social Security program. We have analyzed many of these provisions, including those introduced in Congress as part of comprehensive solvency proposals or those requested by the Social Security Advisory Board. We grouped the provisions into 9 categories, as shown below. We also provide a list of all provisions.

Following a brief description of each provision, estimates of the financial effect on the combined OASI and DI programs over the long-range period (the next 75 years) and for the 75th year are provided. If the provision is based on part of a comprehensive solvency proposal, then a link to our memorandum for the comprehensive proposal is given.

If you would like to be notified by email when new provisions are updated or added, please contact actuary@ssa.gov.

Estimates for similar provisions based on the 2005 Trustees Report are also available.