It’s a subtle difference but I always heard it presented like it was a federal retirement account but is actually insurance for getting old.

Wikipedia: Social Security (USA)

  • Snot Flickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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    1 month ago

    An aspect of the “survivors and disability” part is for when you die before you can take out your payments but you have disabled children who need support. You can sign away your-never-to-be-used-otherwise-benefits to your disabled children to take care of them.

  • Lumberjacked@lemm.eeOP
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    30 days ago

    For me it sunk in that we really need both. Insurance against the inability to work due to just getting old and retirement to allow for enjoyment and experience a life beyond the grind.

    Seems reasonable.