Reduce benefits for the top 20% of lifetime earners
Respondents were given the options of reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of earners, the top 40 percent, or the top 50 percent, or they could not choose any of those options. Reducing benefits for the top 20 percent of income earners, which would eliminate 11% of the shortfall, is supported by an overwhelming 91% to 94% in the swing states. This includes majorities of Republicans (88%-93%) and Democrats (91%-94%). Nationally, 92% are in support.
Arguments For & Against
Pro Argument
We have to cover the Social Security shortfall in one way or another. Wealthier retirees have other ways to fund their retirement, such as pensions and savings. But right now they get benefits that are higher than other people. This gap should be reduced so that their benefits are more like others. It’s only fair.
Con Argument
Many of the proposals for reducing benefits based on income would end up hurting some people who are part of the middle class, particularly people who live in areas of the country where the cost of living is high. We should not change Social Security in a way that forces seniors to lower their quality of life.
| Type | Organization | Date | Nat | Rep | Dem | Gap | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New PPC Survey (2026) | Program for Public Consultation | February 2026 | 65% | 62% | 69% | 7% | favor |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | September 2024 | 92% | 92% | 93% | 1% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | September 2024 | 60% | 62% | 64% | 2% | support |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | September 2024 | 67% | 64% | 72% | 8% | other |
| Deliberative Survey | Program for Public Consultation | September 2024 | 60% | 60% | 64% | 4% | 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. Reduce benefits for the top 20% of lifetime earners, which would reduce the budget shortfall by 11%.
Program for Public Consultation — September 2024
You may select ONLY ONE (or NONE) of the following proposals: Reducing benefits for the upper 20 percent of earners [reduces shortfall by 11%] Reducing benefits for the upper 40 percent of earners [reduces shortfall by 23%] Reducing benefits for the upper 50 percent of earners [reduces shortfall by 31%]
Program for Public Consultation — September 2024
The following government policies that could be enacted to shore up Social Security's finances… Reduce how much higher-income people receive in Social Security payments.
Program for Public Consultation — September 2024
Reduce how much higher-income people receive in Social Security payments [OR] reduce Social Security benefit payments to current retirees.
Program for Public Consultation — September 2024
Reduce how much higher-income people receive in Social Security payments [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
Gradually increase the payroll tax from 6.2% to 6.5%
62% 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