It’s no secret that Social Security loses value over time.
Inflation and other economic factors have diminished the value of the dollar, and in turn, the value of Social Security benefits.
While most of us understand this economic reality, few fully consider the implications. Not only is this a problem financially for those who rely on benefits, but it’s an injustice for everyone who has paid into this program.
As Social Security Loses Value, Issues of Poverty and Principle Arise
Social Security benefits have lost between 20 to 36 percent of their buying power in the last 20 years. That’s more than a number—it’s a wake-up call.
This erosion creates a two-fold challenge. First, it poses a serious financial threat to seniors who depend on Social Security as a primary or sole source of income. When benefits no longer keep up with rising costs—especially for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare—it leaves retirees struggling to cover basic needs. For this group, every percentage point matters.
Second, there’s a quieter but equally important impact on those who don’t rely heavily on these benefits. For more affluent retirees, the shrinking value of Social Security may not mean choosing between groceries or prescriptions—but it does represent something else: a broken promise. These benefits aren’t handouts. They’re earned entitlements, funded by a lifetime of payroll taxes. Watching their value diminish year after year can feel like an insult to those who’ve played by the rules.
This isn’t just a conversation about money—it’s about fairness, trust, and the future of a system we all pay into.
Whether you rely on Social Security to get by or believe in protecting what you’ve earned, we all have a stake in advocating for meaningful Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs). Fair COLAs that truly reflect inflation aren’t just necessary—they’re overdue.
When different sides of the issue unite around a shared goal, progress becomes possible. Let’s make our voices heard. Sign our petition to keep COLAs rising, and get compensation for years skipped.
