The National Senior Citizen Committee (NSCC) is a grassroots advocacy and public educational non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Social Security and Medicare benefits for Senior Americans and all Americans at retirement age.
There are several fundamental problems with Social Security and Medicare that most Americans and Senior Citizens don’t realize exist. That’s why our mission is to educate and work with our supporters and Congress to sponsor, bring to a vote, and pass legislative protections for Seniors. Together we will work to defend OUR future.
The NSCC is a 501 (c) (4) non-profit organization that was formed to help educate Senior Americans on subjects beneficial to the community, with an emphasis on presenting information with respect to Social Security and Medicare, the federal budget, taxation and other federal issues, through public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures, letters, publications, and similar programs and activities.
The ultimate goal of the NSCC and its members is to improve the overall health, well-being and financial security of America’s Seniors at retirement. We believe that each of us is entitled to know the facts when it comes to the government’s plans for OUR financial future. Our pledge is to help bring the truth to light, because only then can we consider ourselves fully-informed voters and involved citizens.
What is the NSCC Fighting For?
The mission and goal of the NSCC is to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare. There are several basic truths about Social Security that most Americans don’t realize.
For example, politicians of both parties claim Social Security benefits are guaranteed. Benefits are not guaranteed in a legal sense, as determined by the Supreme Court. They may be “promised” and even personally “guaranteed,” as in Congress would “never” cut or eliminate them.
The same holds true for payroll taxes, which are perceived as a dedicated revenue stream to fund benefits only. This is simply not so, and further, paying payroll taxes does NOT guarantee benefits. And this is not an interpretation by the NSCC… this is the plain language of the United States Supreme Court!
The mission and goal of the NSCC is to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare. There are several basic truths about Social Security that most Americans don’t realize. For example, politicians of both parties claim Social Security benefits are guaranteed. Benefits are not guaranteed in a legal sense, as determined by the Supreme Court. They may be “promised” and even personally “guaranteed,” as in Congress would “never” cut or eliminate them.
The same holds true for payroll taxes, which are perceived as a dedicated revenue stream to fund benefits only. This is simply not so, and further, paying payroll taxes does NOT guarantee benefits. And this is not an interpretation by the NSCC… this is the plain language of the United States Supreme Court!
Frequently Asked Questions
Deciphering the complex (and often convoluted) language and logic of Social Security and Medicare is a daunting task. Once you add the even-more-complicated factors of demographics, economics and politics… understanding and planning for your future can seem overwhelming.
One important goal of the NSCC is to help you navigate the vast seas of information and policy and guide you past the dangerous myths and lies into the safe harbor of truth.
1. Are my Social Security and Medicare benefits guaranteed?
No. Politicians of both parties claim that Social Security and Medicare benefits are guaranteed. Benefits are not guaranteed in a legal sense as recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Social Security benefits or the amounts of benefit are not guaranteed by law. The Supreme Court has ruled that Social Security benefits are no different than any other government benefit or program. Congress has the power to cut or eliminate benefits at any time for any reason.
2. Do my payroll taxes guarantee benefits?
No. Payroll taxes, which are perceived by many Seniors as a dedicated revenue stream to fund Social Security and Medicare, do not guarantee benefits. This is not an interpretation, it’s the decision of the Supreme Court.
3. What about my FICA taxes?
FICA Taxes are not dedicated or earmarked for Social Security benefits. The Supreme Court has ruled all FICA revenue is legally the same as other revenue, such as the income tax. These taxes go into the general fund, mix with other revenue, and then is spent… and is not always spent on Social Security or Medicare benefits.
4. What about the Treasury Notes in the Trust Fund?
The “Treasury Notes” in the Social Security Trust Fund have no economic value. The notes represent the federal government’s promise to repay, which is backed by the Full Faith and Credit clause of the Constitution, but the Supreme Court has ruled that Congress has the power to do what it wants.
