70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits today, but the program is paying out more than it's taking in.

Economics correspondent Paul Salman looks at that worrying financial gap and what can be done about it.

And 39.

Social security, the program most seniors rely on to support them in old age.

But as you've heard, it's running out of money. As our paychecks make clear,

Social Security takes money from us workers today, the payroll tax, to pay recipients.

Yesterday's workers once they're at least 62.

More workers than recipients?

The money accumulates in a trust fund.

But fewer workers, more recipients, and the fund gradually drains, as is happening now.

In the early 2030s, the Social Security Trust Fund on the retirement side is going to exhaust its reserves.

That's Social Security expert Alicia Manel.

Money is going to keep coming in from the payroll tax, but if nothing is done, benefits will be cut.

And no one wants that.

Well, as Social Security recipients, my wife and I sure don't.

Neither do the 70 million plus baby boomers born in our wake,

nor do you you I assume.

Do you think the money is going to run out?

I kind of have an inkling that in life.

Do you think the money is going to be there, all these headlines about Social Security running out of money?

I hope so.

Comes out of my check every week, so I hope it does.

...