Jul 4, 2024

Is Social Security a drag on national debt? Depends on how you define “debt.”

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According to the law, Social Security cannot contribute to the national debt.

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National Debt

Does Social Security increase the national debt? It depends on how you define “debt.”

by Nova Safo and Kimberly Adams

Jul 4, 2024

The program pays $1.5 trillion a year and aids 70 million Americans. But it has its own budget and by law can't create debt or widen deficits.

Almost 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits and the program pays out about $1.5 trillion a year, as Marketplace's Kimberly Adams explains.

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

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David Brancaccio Host

Leanna Byrne Host, BBC

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