The present value of the Social Security trust fund was almost 1.4 trillion dollars at the end of 2002. That value steadily increases to 2.3 trillion dollars in 2017 before turning downward. By 2042, the trust fund will be exhausted (i.e., a present value of 0). To continue to maintain scheduled benefits payments through 2077 would require a cash infusion into the trust fund with a present value of 3.5 trillion dollars.
