Novel idea! Pay out more to THOSE WHO NEED IT and less to THOSE WHO DON'T! Now why didn't someone think of THAT before now?

Those below the poverty level need it more than those who aren't. Jim and I are on social security. WE DON'T NEED MORE! Would we like more? Sure. Do we NEED MORE? No. So your position is falacious since I am an exception. You know me and I just told you that you are wrong. Surely there are many others just like me who will give you the same answer Walt. Once again the devil's advocate shows up. Why not ask where these guys came from and what they propose rather than shooting it down immediately? I don' t get it. Thank you for your reply. SIGH.

I'm glad that you can get by on Social Security.
Everyone I know personally has to try and get more income.  But if you make "too much", they reduce your SS.  
I do know some people who are retired and have GREAT pensions.  They get so much from the pension, they aren't eligible for SS.

What "poverty level" are we using, though?
The federal poverty level is WAY too low.  ($12,490 for 1 person.  https://aspe.hhs.gov/2019-poverty-guidelines)
I don't think it would be possible to live on that.  And I'm talking just the basics of an apartment, food, and basic utilities.

Apparently TWO WHIZ KIDS came up with a plan that  is bipartisan that will work to save social security. i didn't catch all the interview but they said many old people live below the poverty line and so their monthly incomes should be adjusted upward. The obscenely wealthy should be paying more taxes. The point was to make it fairer to the have nots while not harming the haves whatsoever. Sounded good to me Walt but I don't know the details. Jim and I also each have a very modest IRA that gives us additional money each month. I may outlive mine and Jim may outlive his. So it isn't strictly social security we live though about 80% of our income is. We aren't extravagant We don't owe anyone anything except monthly bills of course. We play the Lotto just because if you don't play you can't win but we don't go to casinos and gamble or anything like that. Could we use $500,000? Are you kidding? We'd be thrilled with $250k. Heck when we win $12 on the Lotto we're thrilled! Thank you for your reply. This post was edited by RosieG at May 17, 2019 9:27 AM MDT

There's a very simple way to put more money in to Social Security.
Just do away with the cap ... currently if you make over $132,900 you don't pay SS taxes beyond that amount.

I think that may be of the things in the whiz kids' plan. Thank you for your reply Walt! :)

I am drawing Social Security and still working, but if I had no other income, I could live on Social Security because my needs are small and I am not in debt up to my ears.  In fact, I'm not in debt at all.

True for us too L! :)

This is why it's so important to save for retirement when you're young.  I know it isn't always easy, but over the course of your working life, even a mall amount of savings and investments can make a big difference later on.  When we're young, though, we always think we have plenty of time until retirement and then BOOM! - all of a sudden, you're there. :)