Social Security is an earned benefit. You become eligible by paying the payroll tax during your working years, and the amount you get is geared to your wage history - with a glaring exception.

The U.S. Senate recently voted to proceed with the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill that could expand Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans. The bill passed in the House of Representatives in November and is now on its way to President Biden's desk.