Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Gen-Z Loses Trust in Social Security's Future
Social Security is a programme that gives money to retired, disabled, and surviving family members in the US.
It's been around since 1935 and is funded by taxes.
A recent survey shows that many young people, called Gen-Z, are worried that Social Security might not be there for them when they retire.
They are not against paying more taxes to support it, but they don't want to pay more if they won't get as much back.
Many think the benefits will be cut by the time they retire.
Older people are also worried, but not as much as the younger generation.
Social Security, or OASDI, provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to 73.9 million Americans.
A survey shows 61% of Gen-Z supports raising payroll taxes to 16.05% to fund Social Security.
Support drops to 60% opposition if current workers get less than they pay in.
Only 34% of adults under 30 believe Social Security will exist when they retire.
78% of Gen-Z expects to receive less than their full scheduled benefits.
- Who
- Gen-Z Americans (under 30) and current retirees
- What
- Loss of trust in Social Security's future
- When
- As of April 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Concerns about the programme's sustainability and fairness
- Programme Name
- Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI)
- Funding Source
- Payroll taxes (FICA)
- Current Beneficiaries
- 73.9 million people in the US (as of April 2025)
- Current Payroll Tax Rate
- 12.4 percent
- Proposed Payroll Tax Rate
- 16.05 percent
- Gen-Z Support for Tax Increase
- 61 percent
- Gen-Z Opposition to Tax Increase with Less Return
- 60 percent
- Gen-Z Expecting Reduced Benefits
- 78 percent