Research Report Interactions Between Social Security Reform and the Supplemental Security Income Program for the Aged
Paul Davies, Melissa M. Favreault
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Unlike most analyses of Social Security reforms, this paper explicitly considers interactions with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Using a microsimulation model, we examine reducing Social Security benefits by the percentage required to approach 75-year solvency. We then add options for attenuating the effects on low-income beneficiaries. In the simulated reforms, we compare benefit receipt patterns, poverty rates, and winners and losers in 2022. Substantial reforms are necessary for SSI to play a more effective income security role. Among the limited set of reforms we consider, Social Security minimum benefit plans would more effectively reduce poverty among low-income beneficiaries.
Research Areas Aging and retirement Social safety net
Tags Social Security Economic well-being Poverty Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Retirement policy Hunger and food assistance
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center