According to a new report from the U.S. Treasury, thanks to the recession the Social Security system is paying out more benefits than it receives in payroll taxes for the first time in nearly 30 years. This is true for 2010 and will be the case in 2011.
However, Treasury Secretary, Tim Geithner, said the cash flow may head back into the black for a few years–at least until 2015 when it is set to fall back into the red and stay there for many years. Due to high unemployment, Americans are contributing less taxes to the system while more Baby Boomers are requesting their retirement benefits early (CNN Money).