The trust funds that Social Security relies on to pay benefits are "rapidly heading to zero," according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
Those funds, which are typically invested in Treasury securities, are projected to run out in 2034, at which point just 80% of benefits may be payable.
As that date draws closer, that has prompted more discussion as to whether that money should also be invested in stocks.
"Theoretically, yes," said Anqi Chen, senior research economist and assistant director of savings research at the Center for Retirement Research, which recently published research addressing the question.
More from Personal Finance:Here's what happens to Social Security benefits after you dieAs student loan bills resume, how economy may be shakenHow Congress may fix looming Social Security benefit shortfallBut the real-world answer is not necessarily clear-cut, Chen and other experts say.
Persons:
Anqi Chen, Chen, Peter G
Organizations:
Social, Center for Retirement Research, Boston College, Finance, Social Security, Security, Peterson Foundation
Locations:
New York