Social Security is often called the Third Rail of American Politics. It earned that nickname because it acts to politicians somewhat like the power-carrying third rail of an electrified train: touch it, and your political career dies.

With that kind of reputation, you might think that the program is in fairly good shape. On the surface, with about $2.833 trillion in its trust funds as of the end of August, 2023, it would certainly seem that way. Unfortunately, the surprising truth about the future of Social Security is that if Congress does nothing, those trust funds are expected to empty by 2034, cutting benefits by around 20%. 

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Source Fool.com