In this episode, we unpack the massive machinery behind the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program, commonly known as Social Security. We explore how the system has evolved since the Social Security Act of 1935 to cover not just retirees, but also survivors and the disabled, protecting millions of Americans against poverty.

Tune in as we break down:

• The Funding Mechanism: How the system is financed through the 12.4% payroll tax (split between employers and employees) and the current tax cap on earnings.
• Calculating Your Check: The complex formula behind the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which averages your highest 35 years of indexed earnings and applies a progressive formula that favors lower-income workers.