Gradually increase the payroll tax from 6.2% to 6.5%
Respondents were given the option of gradually increasing the payroll tax from 6.2 percent to 6.5 percent over six years, to 6.9 percent over fourteen years, or to 7.2 percent over twenty years, or they could not choose any of those options. Increasing the payroll tax to at least 6.5 percent, which would eliminate 15% of the shortfall, is supported by 83% to 88% in the swing states. This includes majorities of Republicans (83%-88%) and Democrats (85%-88%). Nationally, 86% are in support.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
Social Security is a good investment because it provides a foundation for Americans’ retirement, as well as protection in the event of worker disability or a spouse’s death. Paying a little more now will shore up Social Security and make all Americans more secure later. It is also appropriate for employers to make slightly higher contributions to their employees’ retirement, since fewer and fewer offer any pensions.
Con Argument
Raising the tax rate is bad for employees, especially people who are living paycheck to paycheck. Any increase leaves them with less to spend and less to save for retirement. It is also bad for employers because it increases their costs, leading them to cut back their employees, and makes it harder to create new jobs. And it is bad for the self-employed, who pay both the employer’s and employee’s share of the payroll tax.
Source document: https://publicconsultation.org/swing-six-ss/social-security/
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 62% | 61% | 66% | 5% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | September 2024 | 86% | 87% | 87% | 0% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | NASI/AARP | January 2025 | 57% | 51% | 64% | 13% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | NASI/AARP | January 2025 | 57% | 60% | 60% | 0% | support |
| Deliberative Survey | NASI/AARP | January 2025 | 70% | 68% | 76% | 8% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | NASI/AARP | January 2025 | 60% | 54% | 70% | 16% | other |
Program for Public Consultation — February 2026
Here are some options that would reduce the budget shortfall of the Social Security program, and thus extend the amount of time that the program can provide full benefits. For each, please say whether you favor or oppose… Gradually increase the payroll tax by 0.05 percent per year for 6 years up to 6.5%, which would reduce the budget shortfall by 15%.
NASI/AARP — January 2025
Workers currently pay 6.2 percent of their wages to Social Security, and their employers pay the same share for a total of 12.4 percent. This proposal would gradually raise the rate until it hits 7.2 percent for workers and the same amount for employers. For example: For a worker earning $50,000 per year, this would mean an increase of $500 annually, or $42 a month, matched by the employer.
NASI/AARP — January 2025
The following government policies that could be enacted to shore up Social Security's finances… Increase the amount that all employers and employees pay towards Social Security.
NASI/AARP — January 2025
Increase the amount that all employers and employees pay towards Social Security [OR] reduce Social Security benefit payments to current retirees.
NASI/AARP — January 2025
Increase the amount that all employers and employees pay towards Social Security [OR] gradually reduce Social Security benefit payments from their currently scheduled levels, beginning with those who are younger than 50 today.
Related Policies
Subject wages over $400,000 to the payroll tax
79% national support
Reduce benefits for the top 20% of lifetime earners
65% national support
Gradually increase the full retirement age to 68
56% national support
Raise the minimum benefit for someone who has worked 30 years to 125% of the federal poverty line
78% national support