When talking about the most important social programs in America, there's a really good chance Social Security is at or near the top of the list. Each month, the Social Security Administration pays out approximately $80 billion to eligible beneficiaries, of whom more than two-thirds are retired workers. Of these retirees, 62% rely on Social Security for at least half their monthly income, with 34% leaning on it for 90% to 100% of their income.However, this vital program, with its guaranteed monthly paycheck, is in trouble, at least according to the 2017 report from the Social Security Board of Trustees.