Letter: One fix to fund Social Security
A higher retirement age would be difficult for many in physically demanding jobs. Above, construction workers in Phoenix (June 29, 2011). Credit: Bloomberg/Joshua Lott
Working to age 70 may be fine for those who do not perform strenuous work, but for those in jobs such as construction or nursing, working to age 70 may be too difficult ["Social Security's benefits, all told, are already eroding," Act II, June 25].
Instead, since most workers in this country pay Social Security taxes on 100 percent of their income, I suggest we require all to pay Social Security taxes on all of their earnings, beyond the $106,700 income cutoff. This could save Social Security while continuing to make room for the younger generation seeking jobs.
In fairness, I suggest we shouldn't use a means test for Social Security benefits. But we will need a cap on the maximum monthly Social Security payment.
Carol Orkin, North Babylon
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