THE SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUNDS HAVE NOTHING IN THEM.

THE MONIES COLLECTED FROM WORKERS, EMPLOYERS AND RETIREES GOES INTO THE TREASURY WHICH KEEPS THE MONEY TO PAY OUT AS BENEFITS.  FUNDS ARE INVESTED IN A SPECIAL BOND THAT CAN ONLY BE ISSUED AND REDEEMED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.  THUS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT ISSUES THESE BONDS TO ITS OWN ACCOUNTS, IT HAS NOT PURCHASED ANYTHING OR ESTABLISHED A CLAIM AGAINST ANOTHER ENTITY OR PERSON.  IT HAD JUST CREATED A FORM OF IOU FROM ONE OF ITS ACCOUNTS TO ANOTHER.  THE TRUST FUND BALANCE IS THE RESULT OF THE ACCOUNTING ENTRIES.  AT THAT POINT THE TREASURY ESTIMATES HOW MUCH OF THE TAXES REPRESENT SOCIAL SECURITY MONEY AND CREDITS THE FUND WITH THAT AMOUNT.  NO ACTUAL MONEY IS INVOLVED WHERE THE TRUST FUND IS CONCERNED.  SOUNDS EASY. RIGHT?

IF BENEFITS EXCEED INCOME, MONEY IS BORROWED FROM OTHER FUNDS TO PAY THEM.  FUNDS ARE BACKED BY THE GOVERNMENT.  EXPERTS NOW ESTIMATE 2015 WILL BE THE YEAR THAT SOCIAL SECURITY BEGINS TO SPEND MORE THAT IT TAKES IN.  KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED.