It’s a topic that connects everyone in the country, whether they’re retired or looking forward to it.

Social Security is a program we’re taught about and required to pay into — yet the state of its future is anything but certain at this point.

Here at NORA, we’ve covered the ups and downs of this program in detail over the years. We’ve also talked about the worries that seniors and soon-to-be retirees have concerning the future of their benefits.

Is the Social Security glass half full, half empty, being poured into, or being drained? What’s the right way to look at the current state of Social Security benefits and their future?

Should We Be Optimistic or Pessimistic About Social Security Benefits?

Since the announcement of 2022’s record Social Security COLA, many people have had some level of optimism regarding this program’s future. How could an increase this high be a sign of anything other than progress?

While this recent bit of good news was a ray of hope, it didn’t erase the concerns seniors had based on the bigger picture of Social Security benefits. Some people fear the program will even go bankrupt given the continued debt, inflation, and budget problems of the United States.

So which perspective is the right one?

As with most things in life, it depends. Much of the way we view life is an assessment of the objective facts coupled with our own mentality.

In this case, it’s true that the recent record COLA is an achievement worth celebrating. It’s also true that the state of the program is in trouble, and needs immediate action. Based on these two facts, it’s fitting to view this recent COLA as a fine starting point for long-term change — and a means to motivate seniors to make yearly COLAs a tradition from now on.

NORA is committed to campaigning for fair yearly COLAs, and we can only make it happen with your help. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to join up with our movement to make retirees a priority in Washington.