2020 OASDI Trustees Report

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D. LONG-RANGE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
This appendix presents estimates that illustrate the sensitivity of the long-range actuarial status of the OASDI program to changes in selected individual assumptions. The estimates based on the three alternative sets of assumptions, which were presented earlier in this report, illustrate the effects of varying all of the principal assumptions simultaneously, in order to portray a significantly more optimistic or pessimistic future. For each sensitivity analysis presented in this appendix, the intermediate alternative II projection is the reference point, and one assumption is varied within that alternative. The variation used for each individual assumption is the same as the level used for that assumption in the low-cost alternative I and high-cost alternative III projections.
Each table in this section shows the effects of changing a particular assumption on the OASDI summarized income rates, summarized cost rates, and actuarial balances for 25-year, 50-year, and 75-year valuation periods. Following each table is a discussion of the estimated changes in cost rates. The change in each of the actuarial balances is approximately equal to the change in the corresponding cost rate, but in the opposite direction. This appendix does not discuss income rates following each table because income rates vary only slightly with changes in assumptions that affect revenue from taxation of benefits.
1. Total Fertility Rate
Table VI.D1 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions about the ultimate total fertility rate. The Trustees assume that total fertility will ultimately be 1.75, 1.95, and 2.15 children per woman under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively. The total fertility rate reaches ultimate values in 2026, 2029, and 2029 under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively.

a
The total fertility rate for any year is the average number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to experience, at each age of her life, the birth rate observed in, or assumed for, the selected year, and if she were to survive the entire childbearing period. The ultimate total fertility rate is reached in 2026, 2029, and 2029 under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively.

b
Ultimate total fertility rates used for this analysis are: 1.75 from the alternative III assumptions, 1.95 from the alternative II assumptions, and 2.15 from the alternative I assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

For the 25-year period, the cost rate for the three fertility assumptions varies by only about 0.03 percent of taxable payroll. In contrast, the 75-year cost rate varies over a wide range, decreasing from 17.55 to 16.59 percent, as the assumed ultimate total fertility rate increases from 1.75 to 2.15. Similarly, while the 25-year actuarial balance varies by only 0.03 percent of taxable payroll, the 75-year actuarial balance varies over a much wider range, from ‑3.66 to -2.79 percent.
During the 25-year period, the very slight increases in the working-age population and tax income resulting from higher fertility (than that experienced in an alternative scenario) are more than offset by the effects of decreases in female labor force participation and increases in the number of child beneficiaries. Therefore, program cost as a percent of taxable payroll increases slightly with higher fertility. For the 75‑year long-range period, however, changes in fertility have a relatively greater effect on the working-age population than on the beneficiary population. As a result, an increase in fertility significantly reduces the cost rate. Each increase of 0.1 in the ultimate total fertility rate increases the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.22 percent of taxable payroll.
2. Death Rates
Table VI.D2 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions about future reductions in death rates for the period from 2019 to 2094. These assumptions are described in section V.A.2. The Trustees assume that the age-sex-adjusted death rates will decline at average annual rates of 0.40 percent, 0.76 percent, and 1.15 percent for alternatives I, II, and III, respectively.

a
The average annual death-rate reduction is the average annual geometric rate of decline in the age-sex-adjusted death rate for the period from 2019 to 2094. The overall age-sex-adjusted death rate decreases from 2019 to 2094 by 26 percent, 44 percent, and 58 percent for alternatives I, II, and III, respectively.

b
The average annual death-rate reductions used for this analysis are: 0.40 percent from the alternative I assumptions, 0.76 percent from the alternative II assumptions, and 1.15 percent from the alternative III assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

The variation in cost for the 25-year period is less pronounced than the variation for the 75-year period because decreases in death rates have cumulative effects. The 25-year cost rate increases from 16.43 percent (for an average annual death-rate reduction of 0.40 percent over the entire long-range period) to 16.73 percent (for an average annual death-rate reduction of 1.15 percent over the entire long-range period). The 75-year cost rate increases from 16.54 to 17.62 percent. The actuarial balance decreases from ‑1.88 to ‑2.17 percent for the 25-year period, and from -2.71 to ‑3.75 percent for the 75-year period.
Lower death rates raise both the income (through increased taxable payroll) and the cost of the OASDI program. The relative increase in cost, however, exceeds the relative increase in taxable payroll. For any given year, reductions in the death rates for people who are age 62 and over (ages at which death rates are the highest) increase the number of retired-worker beneficiaries (and, therefore, the amount of retirement benefits paid) without adding significantly to the number of covered workers (and, therefore, to the taxable payroll). Reductions for people at age 50 to retirement eligibility age result in significant increases to the taxable payroll. However, those increases are not large enough to offset the sum of the additional retirement benefits mentioned above and the disability benefits paid to additional beneficiaries at these pre-retirement ages, which are ages of high disability incidence. At ages under 50, death rates are so low that even substantial reductions in death rates do not result in significant increases in the numbers of covered workers or beneficiaries. Consequently, if death rates decline by about the same relative amount for all ages, the cost increases faster than the rate of growth in payroll, which results in higher cost rates and lower actuarial balances. Each additional 0.1‑percentage-point increase in the average annual rate of decline in the death rate decreases the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.14 percent of taxable payroll.
3. Immigration
Table VI.D3 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances under alternative II with three different assumptions about the magnitude of total net immigration (sum of net lawful permanent resident (LPR) immigration and net other-than-LPR immigration). See section V.A.3 for more information on immigration assumptions and methods. The Trustees assume annual levels of immigration and emigration, with total net annual immigration averaging 946,000 persons, 1,261,000 persons, and 1,598,000 persons over the long-range period under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively.

a
Average annual total net immigration is the annual total net immigration to the Social Security area, including both LPR and other-than-LPR immigration, averaged over the 75-year projection period.

b
The average annual total net immigration assumptions used for this analysis are: 946,000 from the alternative III assumptions, 1,261,000 from the alternative II assumptions, and 1,598,000 from the alternative I assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

For all three periods, when total net immigration increases, the cost rate decreases. For the 25-year period, the cost rate decreases from 16.74 percent of taxable payroll (for an average annual total net immigration of 946,000 persons over the entire long-range period) to 16.40 percent (for an average annual total net immigration of 1,598,000 persons over the entire long-range period). For the 50-year period, it decreases from 17.00 percent to 16.51 percent, and for the 75-year period, it decreases from 17.35 percent to 16.78 percent. The actuarial balance increases from ‑2.16 to ‑1.87 percent for the 25-year period, from ‑2.97 to -2.54 percent for the 50-year period, and from -3.47 to ‑2.96 percent for the 75-year period.
The cost rate decreases with an increase in total net immigration because immigration occurs at relatively young ages, thereby increasing the numbers of covered workers earlier than the numbers of beneficiaries. Increasing average annual total net immigration by 100,000 persons improves the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.08 percent of taxable payroll.
4. Real-Wage Differential
Table VI.D4 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions about the real-wage differential. The Trustees assume the ultimate real-wage differential will be 0.52 percentage point, 1.14 percentage points, and 1.76 percentage points under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively. In each case, the ultimate annual increase in the CPI is 2.40 percent (consistent with alternative II). Therefore, the ultimate percentage increases in average annual wages in covered employment are 2.92, 3.54, and 4.16 percent.
For the 25-year period, the cost rate decreases from 17.39 percent (for a real-wage differential of 0.52 percentage point) to 15.77 percent (for a differential of 1.76 percentage points). For the 50-year period, it decreases from 17.95 to 15.60 percent, and for the 75-year period it decreases from 18.39 to 15.77 percent. The actuarial balance increases from -2.71 to -1.34 percent for the 25-year period, from ‑3.78 to -1.75 percent for the 50-year period, and from ‑4.36 to ‑2.09 percent for the 75-year period.

a
The first value in each pair is the ultimate annual percentage increase in average wages in covered employment. The second value is the ultimate annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. The difference between the two values is the ultimate real-wage differential.

b
The ultimate real-wage differentials of 0.52, 1.14, and 1.76 percentage points are the same as in alternatives III, II, and I, respectively. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

The cost rate decreases with increasing real-wage differentials. Higher wages increase taxable payroll immediately, but they increase benefit levels only gradually as new beneficiaries become entitled. In addition, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to benefits depend not on changes in wages, but on changes in prices. Each 0.1-percentage-point increase in the real-wage differential increases the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.18 percent of taxable payroll.
5. Consumer Price Index
Table VI.D5 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions about the rate of increase for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Trustees assume the annual increase in the CPI will be 3.00 percent, 2.40 percent, and 1.80 percent under alternatives I, II, and III, respectively.1 In each case, the ultimate real-wage differential is 1.14 percentage points (consistent with alternative II), yielding ultimate percentage increases in average annual wages in covered employment of 4.14, 3.54, and 2.94 percent.

a
The first value in each pair is the ultimate annual percentage increase in average wages in covered employment. The second value is the ultimate annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index. The difference between the two values is the ultimate real-wage differential.

b
The ultimate CPI increases of 3.00, 2.40, and 1.80 percent are the same as in alternatives I, II, and III, respectively. The ultimate real-wage differential of 1.14 percentage points is the same as in alternative II. All other assumptions used for this analysis are also from alternative II.

For all three periods, the cost rate increases when the assumed rates of increase in the CPI are smaller. For the 25-year period, the cost rate increases from 16.46 (for CPI increases of 3.00 percent) to 16.67 percent (for CPI increases of 1.80 percent). For the 50-year period, it increases from 16.62 to 16.89 percent, and for the 75-year period, it increases from 16.90 to 17.21 percent. The actuarial balance decreases from -1.93 to -2.10 percent for the 25-year period, from ‑2.63 to -2.87 percent for the 50-year period, and from ‑3.07 to ‑3.35 percent for the 75-year period.
The time lag between the effects of the CPI changes on taxable payroll and on scheduled benefits explains these patterns. When the rate of increase in the CPI is greater and the real-wage differential is constant, then: (1) the effect on taxable payroll due to a greater rate of increase in average wages occurs immediately and (2) the effect on benefits due to a larger COLA occurs with a lag of about 1 year. As a result of these effects, the higher taxable payrolls have a stronger effect than the higher benefits, which results in lower cost rates. Each 0.1‑percentage-point decrease in the rate of the change in the CPI decreases the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.02 percent of taxable payroll.
6. Real Interest Rate
Table VI.D6 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances under alternative II with three different assumptions about the annual real interest rate (compounded semiannually) for special public-debt obligations issuable to the trust funds. The Trustees assume that the ultimate annual real interest rate will be 1.8 percent, 2.3 percent, and 2.8 percent under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively. In each case, the ultimate annual increase in the CPI is 2.40 percent, which is consistent with alternative II. Therefore, the ultimate annual yields are 4.2, 4.8, and 5.3 percent, respectively.

a
The ultimate real interest rate is the effective annual yield on asset reserves held by the trust funds divided by the annual rate of growth in the CPI.

b
The ultimate annual real interest rates used for this analysis are: 1.8 percent from the alternative III assumptions, 2.3 percent from the alternative II assumptions, and 2.8 percent from the alternative I assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

For the 25-year period, the cost rate decreases with increasing real interest rates from 16.64 percent (for an ultimate real interest rate of 1.8 percent) to 16.51 percent (for an ultimate real interest rate of 2.8 percent). For the 50‑year period, it decreases from 16.85 to 16.67 percent and, for the 75‑year period, it decreases from 17.19 to 16.93 percent. The actuarial balance increases from -2.13 to ‑1.90 percent for the 25-year period, from ‑2.91 to ‑2.60 percent for the 50-year period, and from -3.41 to -3.02 percent for the 75-year period. It should be noted that a relatively higher real interest rate has the effect of discounting more distant future years relatively more. To the extent that annual income rates, annual cost rates, and annual deficits are larger in later years, a higher interest rate decreases all summarized rates, and a lower interest rate increases all summarized rates. Each 0.1-percentage-point increase in the real interest rate increases the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.04 percent of taxable payroll.
7. Taxable Ratio
Table VI.D7 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances under alternative II with three different assumptions about the ratio of taxable payroll to covered earnings (the taxable ratio). Note that covered earnings are the sum of wages and net self-employment earnings covered by Social Security, and taxable payroll is essentially the amount of covered earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax up to the contribution and benefit base ($137,700 for 2020). The Trustees assume that the taxable ratio at the end of the short-range period (2029) will be 81.0 percent, 82.5 percent, and 84.0 percent under alternatives III, II, and I, respectively.
Taxable ratio in 2029 a b

a
The taxable ratio is the ratio of taxable payroll to covered earnings. These concepts are described in further detail in section V.C.6 of this report.

b
The taxable ratios at the end of the short-range period (2029) used for this analysis are: 81.0 percent from the alternative III assumptions, 82.5 percent from the alternative II assumptions, and 84.0 percent from the alternative I assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

Because the combined employee-employer tax rate of 12.4 percent is unchanged across all alternatives, the income rate changes a relatively small amount as the taxable ratio increases, due to changes in taxation of benefits and the initial fund as a percentage of taxable payroll.
For the 25-year period, the cost rate decreases with increasing taxable ratios, from 16.80 percent (for a taxable ratio in 2029 of 81.0 percent) to 16.34 percent (for a taxable ratio in 2029 of 84.0 percent). For the 50-year period, it decreases from 16.97 to 16.55 percent and, for the 75-year period, it decreases from 17.25 to 16.87 percent. The actuarial balance increases from ‑2.22 to ‑1.82 percent for the 25-year period, from ‑2.95 to ‑2.57 percent for the 50-year period, and from ‑3.39 to ‑3.04 for the 75‑year period.
The cost rate decreases with an increase in taxable payroll because the increase in taxable payroll occurs immediately. The increase in benefit amounts occurs much more gradually as new beneficiaries become entitled. In addition, the change in the taxable ratio does not affect COLAs or AWIs. Each 1.0 percentage-point increase in the taxable ratio in 2029 increases (improves) the long-range actuarial balance by about 0.11 percent of taxable payroll.
8. Disability Incidence Rates
Table VI.D8 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions concerning future disability incidence rates. The Trustees assume that the ultimate age-sex-adjusted2 incidence rates will be 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 awards per thousand exposed for alternatives I, II, and III, respectively. For all three alternatives, the Trustees assume that incidence rates by age and sex will vary during the early years of the projection period before attaining ultimate levels.
Disability incidence ratea

a
The ultimate age-sex-adjusted incidence rates used for this analysis are: 4.0 awards per thousand exposed for the alternative I assumptions, 5.0 awards per thousand exposed for the alternative II assumptions, and 6.0 awards per thousand exposed for the alternative III assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

For the 25-year period, the cost rate increases with increasing disability incidence rates, from 16.36 percent (for the relatively low rates assumed for alternative I) to 16.78 percent (for the relatively high rates assumed for alternative III). For the 50-year period, it increases from 16.50 to 17.01 percent, and for the 75-year period, it increases from 16.80 to 17.31 percent. The actuarial balance decreases from ‑1.81 to -2.22 percent for the 25-year period, from -2.50 to -3.00 percent for the 50-year period, and from -2.96 to ‑3.46 percent for the 75-year period.
9. Disability Termination Rates
Table VI.D9 shows OASDI income rates, cost rates, and actuarial balances on the basis of alternative II with three different assumptions about future disability termination rates, including deaths and recoveries.
For all three alternatives, the Trustees assume that death rates for disabled-worker beneficiaries will decline throughout the long-range period. The Trustees assume that the age-sex-adjusted3 death rate of 24.8 deaths per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries in 2019 will decline to 19.0, 12.1, and 7.2 deaths per thousand in 2094 for alternatives I, II, and III, respectively. These levels are about 23 percent, 51 percent, and 71 percent lower, respectively, than the level in 2019.
The ultimate age-sex-adjusted1 recovery rates used for this analysis are 12.5 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative I assumptions, 10.3 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative II assumptions, and 8.2 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative III assumptions.
Disability termination rates (death; recovery)a

a
The age-sex-adjusted death rates in 2094 used for this analysis are: 19.0 deaths per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative I assumptions, 12.1 deaths per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative II assumptions, and 7.2 deaths per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative III assumptions.  The ultimate age-sex-adjusted recovery rates used for this analysis are: 12.5 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative I assumptions, 10.3 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative II assumptions, and 8.2 recoveries per thousand disabled-worker beneficiaries for the alternative III assumptions. All other assumptions used for this analysis are from alternative II.

For the 25-year period, the cost rate increases with decreasing disability termination rates, from 16.54 percent (for the relatively high termination rates assumed for alternative I) to 16.59 percent (for the relatively low termination rates assumed for alternative III). For the 50-year period, it increases from 16.73 to 16.78 percent, and for the 75-year period, it increases from 17.04 to 17.07 percent. The actuarial balance decreases from -1.99 to -2.04 percent for the 25-year period, from -2.73 to -2.78 percent for the 50-year period, and from -3.19 to ‑3.22 percent for the 75-year period.

1
Prior to the 2014 report, alternative I included a lower ultimate annual change in the CPI and alternative III included a higher ultimate annual change in the CPI than was included for alternative II.

2
Age-sex-adjusted to the disability-exposed population as of the year 2000.

3
Age-sex-adjusted to the disabled-worker population as of the year 2000.


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