Kamala Harris’ Social Security plan: key policies ahead of the US election

1 min read by Unbiased team Last updated October 4, 2024

Discover Kamala Harris’s approach to Social Security and how her proposals could reshape the program.

Summary 

  • Kamala Harris’s position on Social Security emphasizes expanding benefits and increasing funding by raising taxes on high earners. 

  • Harris has not provided specific policy details on Social Security in the run-up to November, but her campaign suggests building on the Biden administration’s efforts. 

  • Compared to Donald Trump, Harris’s plan focuses on increasing revenue through higher taxes, while Trump proposes exempting benefits from federal income taxes. 

  • Match with a financial advisor and create a robust financial plan for your future. You can find an advisor best suited to meet your needs here.  

What are Kamala Harris’ Social Security proposals? 

Kamala Harris has articulated a vision for strengthening Social Security, focusing on expanding benefits and improving the program’s financial stability through higher taxes on high earners.  

Harris also expressed support for changing the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) formula to account for retirees' higher expenses. 

It’s important to note that there hasn’t been specific policy information provided by Kamala Harris on Social Security in the run-up to the November election. However, she has stated that she’d strengthen Social Security “for the long haul by making millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share in taxes.”  

Her campaign has indicated that she would build on the Biden administration’s efforts, which include extending the payroll tax to higher incomes.  

So, what is Kamala Harris’ stand on Social Security tax reform?  

In 2019, Harris co-sponsored the Social Security Expansion Act with Bernie Sanders, proposing extending the Social Security payroll tax to incomes over $250,000 annually. This legislative effort highlights her commitment to expanding the funding base for Social Security.  

Addressing Social Security is critical, given its current financial challenges.  

The Social Security Trust Fund is projected to be depleted by the early 2030’s due to an aging population and fewer workers supporting more retirees. This looming insolvency makes Social Security a crucial issue, particularly for older voters who rely heavily on these benefits

What is the potential impact of her Social Security plan? 

Kamala Harris’s stance on Social Security could significantly impact the program's future.  

By extending the payroll tax to higher earners, the program could see a substantial increase in revenue, potentially enhancing its solvency and allowing for increased benefits for retirees. This approach aims to address the funding gap without resorting to benefit reductions or changing the retirement age. 

However, higher taxes on wealthier individuals may have broader economic implications.  

The increased payroll tax could be opposed by high earners and businesses, who may argue that the additional tax burden could stifle economic growth, reduce incentives for investment, or impact job creation. 

How does Kamala Harris’ proposal compare to Trump’s plans? 

Kamala Harris’ position on Social Security contrasts sharply with Donald Trump’s proposals.  

While Harris focuses on increasing revenue through higher taxes on the wealthy, Trump’s plan emphasizes reducing the tax burden for retirees.  

Trump has proposed exempting Social Security benefits from federal income taxes, which would provide immediate relief to retirees but could exacerbate the program’s financial woes. 

What are the pros and cons of Kamala Harris’ Social Security plan? 

Kamala Harris and Social Security reform come with both benefits and potential drawbacks.  

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons: 

Pros of Kamala Harris’ Social Security plan: 

  • Increased funding: Extending the tax to higher incomes could provide significant additional revenue, helping to extend Social Security’s solvency. 

  • Equitable taxation: Higher earners would contribute a fairer share, addressing the current imbalance. 

  • Long-term stability: Harris’s approach aims to ensure the program’s long-term stability without reducing benefits or raising the retirement age. 

  • No benefit cuts: Her plan avoids the politically sensitive issues of benefit reductions or retirement age increases, focusing instead on revenue enhancement. 

Cons Kamala Harris’ Social Security plan: 

  • Higher taxes for high earners: The extension of the tax cap could face resistance from high-income individuals and businesses. 

  • Potential negative economic impact: Increased taxes could potentially affect economic growth if high earners reduce spending or investment. 

  • Potential inflation: Increased benefits might contribute to inflationary pressures, affecting the cost of living for all. 

  • Political uncertainty: The success of the proposal depends on political support and passing legislation, which may be challenging in a divided Congress. 

How might Kamala Harris’ Social Security proposal affect you? 

The Kamala Harris Social Security proposal could have several implications for current and future retirees.  

For those already receiving benefits, her plan’s focus on increasing funding could lead to more stable and potentially higher benefits. However, high earners might see an increase in taxes, affecting their disposable income. 

For those planning for retirement, Kamala Harris’ position on Social Security could offer greater certainty about future benefits. Nonetheless, the potential tax increases on high incomes could impact retirement planning strategies.  

It’s essential to consider how these changes might influence savings, investments, and the overall stability of Social Security. 

Find the right financial advisor 

While Harris’s strategy could enhance the program’s financial stability, it also faces potential resistance and economic challenges.  

The full impact on retirees and future beneficiaries will depend on how these proposals are implemented and received in the broader political landscape. 

Let Unbiased match you with a financial advisor for expert financial advice on Social Security planning and optimizing your financial future. 

Writers

Unbiased team

Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing and retirement, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.