This simulator compares the payroll taxes you would pay into Social Security over your career against investing those same dollars in a defined-contribution account with guardrails. The Social Security side follows the SSA's own published formulas; the investment side compounds your payroll contributions under a strategy you choose.
Every assumption is visible and editable — nothing is hidden in the engine. Adjust income, investment strategy, retirement age, life expectancy, wage growth, inflation, and withdrawal rules to see how the comparison changes for your situation.
Free to use.
LIVE DEMO
≈ $6,360/yr in Social Security payroll taxes (10.6%)
Retiring at your full retirement age (67) in 2053
Applied to future years; past years use actual market returns.
*Illustrative estimate in future (nominal) dollars, one path, default assumptions. See full assumptions in the app.
LIVE DEMO
The full methodology, audit, and findings are published openly — every formula, every assumption, and every correction.
All methodology, findings, and data sources in one place.
The comparison logic, validation, and limitations explained.
The equity cliff and the Monte Carlo view of outcomes.
The defects we found, fixed, and re-validated.
A dated log of findings we have withdrawn or revised.
Input an income level, education background, and retirement age. No Social Security Administration account needed.
The model calculates a projected Social Security benefit and compares it to a Defined Contribution alternative using actual payroll tax contributions.
Get a full breakdown — portfolio growth, retirement income, legacy value, and a present-value comparison — across multiple investment strategies.
See how payroll tax contributions grow under different investment strategies across a full career.
Compare projected Social Security benefits against portfolio withdrawal income side by side.
Run probabilistic simulations to understand the range of possible outcomes, not just a single projection.
See how the U.S. Social Security system stacks up against pension structures in other countries.
Supporter unlocks: Save unlimited scenarios · PDF report export · Monte Carlo simulation · International comparison · Ad-free experience. Free always includes: the full model, your projection, comparisons, assumptions — and sharing your results.
Full access for 5 years. Lowest yearly cost. ($40/yr)
Become a Supporter →Your Supporter access runs for the term you purchase, for as long as we continue to operate the Is Social Security Worth It? app. There is no lifetime access. If we discontinue the app, access ends at that time, and we'll give at least 30 days' notice. Your access auto-renews for another full term at the same price unless you cancel; you can cancel anytime and keep access through your paid term. (Note: 5-Year access does not auto-renew.)