Are contributions to Social Security pooled across workers?

• A. Yes, although benefits are based on one's earnings lower-income workers get a higher proportion of their contribution
• B. Yes, benefits are equal for all workers
• C. No, each worker's contributions stay with their own account
• D. No, there is no pooling mechanism

Answer: (A)

Contributions to Social Security are pooled across workers in a pay-as-you-go system, not kept in separate accounts for each person. This pooled fund funds current benefits, and the amount you receive isn’t a straight return of your own contributions. Instead, benefits are calculated from your earnings history using a progressive formula, so lower-income workers typically receive a larger share of their earnings back as benefits relative to what they paid in. In short, the system pools funds and applies a progressive benefit calculation, making lower earners’ relative return higher.