SS had 2+trillion in a trust fund and the interest was to pay out the checks. What happen? The federal government "borrowed " that money and never replaced it. So yeah there's no money in the trust fund to pay out. But the government has a responsibility to see to it that the SS gets paid and get cost of living adjustments. They can do this by cutting overseas military bases, cutting military spending and increasing taxes of the 1%. But those with money don't want that and their money is power, they are fewer real votes but very vocal ones.
However congress is very aware that if they cut SS now they are going to lose many votes. So currently I think it's in status quo. What I fear is the republicians winning the presidency and the house and getting their way, cutting SS, Social services and finding away to cut ACA benefits. I doubt they will slash ACA but they would put holes in it here and there until it collapses and then say see, it was no good.