Social Security Leadership Initiative

Equipping Congressional Staff with Expertise and Solutions on Social Security 

Social Security is the world’s largest retirement program, providing retirement security and other important benefits to tens of millions of Americans. Yet the program faces a serious financial challenges, with the old age and survivors insurance (OASI) trust fund only seven years from insolvency and beneficiaries facing a potential 24 percent benefit cut.  

In light of these upcoming challenges and deadlines, Members of Congress may face crucial decisions on securing the program’s future – and Congressional staff should be prepared.  

The Social Security Leadership Initiative (SSLI) will educate attendees on the ins and outs of the program, offering nonpartisan expertise to prove a strong grounding on the issues at stake. This four-session masterclass is designed to help staff understand how Social Security works, the challenges it faces, the many options for reform, and the real-world tradeoffs involved.

Requirements:

This program is open to mid-to-senior level Congressional staff employed in House offices Senate offices, or House and Senate Committees.

Curriculum:

• A course consisting of four sessions, held on Tuesdays from 12pm to 1:30pm:
  • October 21 – Social Security: An Introduction
  • October 28 – Options to Change Benefits
  • November 4 – Options to Generate Revenue
  • November 18 – A Solvency Simulation and Course Wrap-Up 

Participants will:

• Learn the realities behind Social Security’s looming insolvency.
• Explore leading reform proposals on both the benefit and revenue sides.
• Discuss novel reform options beyond the ones that are always discussed in policy circles.
• Engage in an interactive negotiation exercise simulating the real-world challenges of reaching bipartisan agreement.
• Gain a comprehensive, nonpartisan grounding in one of the largest federal programs.

Graduates who attend at least three out of four sessions will receive formal acknowledgement of completion.

How to apply:

Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort. Please click here to apply. Applications will remain open until October 10, 2025. 

The application consists of basic contact information and your resume.

Why is it relevant?

Without Congressional action, Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to run out in 2032, at which point the law would require an estimated 24 percent an across-the-board benefit cut for all beneficiaries; about $18,400 for the average couple retiring that year.  

Congress has a narrowing window to act. Reform will require weighing tradeoffs across generations, income groups, and policy priorities, and understanding how various choices may impact retirement security, work incentives, and economic growth.  

The SSLI will help staff to better understand the issues facing Social Security, the options available and their consequences. This additional expertise can staff to support their Members as they work through toward thoughtful solutions to secure Social Security for generations to come.