The social security system has reached an important threshold that it was not likely to cross until 2016. The system would pay more than it would earn this year because of the poor economy.

The social security system has suffered in the last 2 years – like every other part of the economy – and the effect will be reflected in its latest accounts, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The revenues have fallen because the major source for revenue is tax on payrolls. With people losing their jobs, payrolls have dropped significantly, and so have the revenues. On the other hand, expenses have increased. The people who have lost their jobs are now claiming benefits through social security and this has put a huge strain on the system. [Read more…]