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Index/Topics/Political Narrative on Social Security

Political Narrative on Social Security

Some critics argue Social Security is 'earned' pay while others emphasize it is a federal benefit paid from payroll taxes.

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Jan 10, 2026
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Are they changing the name of social security benefits to federal benefit payment

Rumors that “they” are renaming Social Security payments to “Federal Benefit Payments” are false: the Social Security Administration has long described its disbursements as benefits, and reputable fac...

Jan 28, 2026

How do state taxes and withholding interact with federal taxation of Social Security benefits?

Federal law determines whether and how much of are included in federal taxable income—up to 85% of benefits depending on “combined income” thresholds—and can withhold federal taxes from benefit paymen...