Question

which of the following statements accurately describes the result of a decreasing worker-per-benefi the social security system?
a. fewer taxed workers than beneficiaries means that the system is collecting more money for the money being drawn out. this leaves money in the system and secures benefits for future beneficiaries.
b. fewer taxed workers than beneficiaries means that the system is collecting more money for the money being drawn out. this leaves a shortage of money in the system making benefits for future beneficiaries unsure.
c. fewer taxed workers than beneficiaries means that more money is being drawn from the system for the money put in. this leaves a shortage of money in the system making benefits for future beneficiaries unsure.
d. fewer taxed workers than beneficiaries means that more money is being drawn from the system for the money put in. this leaves money in the system and secures benefits for future beneficiaries.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the worker - per - beneficiary ratio. A decreasing ratio means fewer taxed workers (who contribute to Social Security) and more beneficiaries (who draw from it). If there are fewer contributors and more recipients, more money is drawn out relative to what's put in. This creates a money shortage, making future benefits uncertain.

• Option a: Claims more money is collected, which is wrong as fewer workers contribute.
• Option b: Says more money is collected, which is incorrect.
• Option c: Correctly states more money is drawn out relative to input, causing a shortage and uncertain future benefits.
• Option d: Claims money is left, which is wrong.

Answer:

c. Fewer taxed workers than beneficiaries means that more money is being drawn from the system for the money put in. This leaves a shortage of money in the system making benefits for future beneficiaries unsure.