There are millions of older Americans who rely on Social Security today. But those benefits could face serious cuts by 2032 if lawmakers don’t intervene.
The problem is that in the coming years, Social Security will owe more in benefits than it collects in payroll tax revenue. The program’s trust funds can make up the difference, but once that money runs out, Social Security recipients could be looking at a 22% cut.
Lawmakers have different options for preventing Social Security cuts. And one potential solution gaining attention is a proposal to lift the cap on wages subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
Supporters say the change could provide a massive boost to the program’s finances, which Social Security desperately needs.
An unlikely pair agree on lifting the wage cap
Lifting the wage cap for Social Security purposes is something Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio and Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts agree on. In a joint opinion piece, the two argued that lifting the payroll tax cap could inject roughly $3 trillion into Social Security and help extend the program’s solvency.
Under current law, workers pay Social Security payroll taxes only on earnings up to a certain limit. In 2026, that wage base is $184,500, meaning income above that amount is not subject to the Social Security payroll tax.
Warren and Moreno argue that the current system places a heavier burden on middle-class workers because they pay Social Security taxes on all of their wages while the highest earners stop contributing once they reach the taxable maximum. Their proposal would change that by requiring higher earners to pay Social Security taxes on more — or potentially all — of their income.
The estimated $3 trillion boost would not solve Social Security’s finances problems fully. But it could buy lawmakers valuable time to address the program’s long-term finances. It could also help preserve the current benefit structure beyond 2032, which is the current trust fund depletion date.
Other ways Congress could prevent Social Security cuts
Lifting the wage cap is only one of several options lawmakers can consider to prevent Social Security cuts. Another approach would be increasing the payroll tax rate broadly.
Currently, workers and employers each contribute 6.2% of wages toward Social Security. A relatively small increase could bring additional money into the system, although it would affect nearly every worker and employer.
Congress could also adjust benefits. Some proposals have suggested gradually raising full retirement age, which is currently 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, or reducing benefits for higher-income retirees.
Social Security has faced financial challenges in the past, and lawmakers have never allowed the program to cut benefits. There’s a lot of pressure to come to the rescue this time around as well.
The problem is that the clock is ticking down. Making changes to the wage cap could be a reasonable solution for helping prevent Social Security cuts or at least minimizing them. But the longer Congress waits to take action, the more difficult it’s likely to be to address the problem at hand.
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