Quick Read Social Security’s $2.5 trillion trust fund is invested in special-issue government bonds as required by law; the real crisis is demographic—fewer workers supporting more retirees as baby boomers retire, with the combined trust fund projected to deplete in 2034 and leave incoming revenue covering only 81% of scheduled benefits. The program faces structural pressure from three revenue streams: payroll taxes shrinking as unemployment rises and wage growth slows, income taxes on benefits tied to ...