Is the Threat of Social Security Running Out an Opportunity for Churches and Ministries to Expand Outreaches? – Elizabeth Delaney
The 2026 report about the state of Social Security has stirred the pot a bit faster in connection with media attention and a looming shortfall. The newest projected date is 2032 if Congress doesn’t act. That being said, this isn’t the first time in history that the problem has haunted America’s lawmakers.
What Previous Lawmakers Did the Last Time
In 1983, the Social Security program faced the same type of insolvency problem. At that time, it was only months away, and then bipartisan lawmakers passed new legislation that included tax increases for those who were still in the workforce, and age increases regarding when the benefit could be collected, according to CNBC.
However, it wasn’t a permanent fix. It just kicked that can down the road to what is being faced today. In fact, since 2021, the amount of money Social Security taxes have taken in hasn’t been able to meet the budget that it needs to pay out. As of 2025, Social Security took in 1.45 trillion, but its expenses were 1.61 trillion. Another shortage is expected in 2026, according to WNG.
Why Present Lawmakers are Dragging Their Feet
Part of the reason why the present lawmakers are dragging their feet is that raising taxes and raising the retirement age aren’t popular moves when they’re seeking reelection. Another piece of this puzzle is that families are having fewer children, so there are fewer workers paying into the system at a time when the largest generation in history (the baby boomers) is stepping into retirement.
Another complicating factor is an unexpected, significantly historic increase in inflation, combined with an underestimate of what would be needed for retirement. Unfortunately, many weren’t really very well prepared for this, according to Fortune.
Potential Opportunities for Churches and Ministries to Expand Outreaches
There was a time when Social Security didn’t exist. In fact, the first time taxes were collected for it was January of 1937 under President FDR’s administration, according to SSA.gov. Prior to that, people relied on their own savings plan for their future, combined with family assistance when needed, and, interestingly, the church.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, there weren’t any government programs to help people with even their basic needs. So the church stepped in and found ways to provide food, clothing, and even shelter for those who lost their homes during that time, according to The Aging Rule.
A ministry called Presbyterian Senior Living got its start due to unmet needs in the 1930s. Not only was Social Security nonexistent back then, but so were Medicare and other welfare programs, according to Presbyterian Outlook.
Even before those days, when the New Testament church was under some of its most severe persecution and harsh Roman rule, Acts 4:32 – 35 says that believers came together and shared what they had with each other. As a result, everyone among them had their needs met.
Today’s challenges could be a call to the churches across the nation to consider something along the lines of a Joseph-type ministry, an idea borrowed from Genesis 41:37–57, whereby any excesses available today are stored up for the future. The day and time in which we’re living could possibly be the time to prayerfully prepare for what may be coming.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Douglas Sacha
Originally published June 15, 2026.
