4 ms·

Become Amish. They are the only ones I know of that can opt out. https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3821/Are-members-of-religious-groups-exem

• DINKDINK 10y ago
  Interesting, thanks for sharing that info! The syntax around the requirements creates ambiguity but: "Meet the following requirements: Be a member of a recognized religious sect conscientiously opposed to accepting benefits under a private plan or system that makes payments in the event of death, disability or retirement, or which makes payments towards the costs of or provides for medical care (including the benefits of any insurance system established by Social Security); Be a member of a religious sect that makes a reasonable provision of food, shelter and medical care for its dependent members and has done so continuously since December 31, 1950;..." By my reading, the first bullet point would mean that you couldn't be involved in any health insurance plans. The second bullet point seems completely arbitrary; that the sect must have been active since 1951?
  • dpark 10y ago
    It's not arbitrary. It's a grandfather clause. It prevents new religious groups from claiming this privilege even if they establish a track record of providing these benefits to members.
• bzbarsky 10y ago
  There are people who can (or in some cases must) opt out based on occupation. For example, see https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/teacher-retirement-system-pension-social-security-benefits-work/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/investing/teacher-retirement... for a brief discussion of some of the mess.