Social Security: Problem and Solution Social Security is not a problem right now; in fact, it runs a large surplus every year. However, Americans are living longer, and drawing more Social Security payments than they ever put in. Early in the next century, we will be paying out more than we take in, and Social Security will have to dip into its surplus, which is currently used by the federal government for other spending. When the last of the baby boomers retire, the payroll tax would have to almost double to maintain benefits. This creates an undue burden on Generation X-ers, and solutions need to be found to prevent this from happening. II. The Solution *