[nugget]

> there is no enumerated entitlement of what you will receive out of SS

What do you base this statement on? The Federal Government enumerates the exact formula used to determine future social security benefit payments, even for people 40 years away from retirement. Given a known salary scale, a 22 year old can calculate their expected future social security benefit down to the penny. This future benefit is funded by a 12.4% tax/contribution from your salary. It's a % contribution for a defined benefit.

How is that any different than a state or municipal pension?

They are in fact so similar that, in some states, participation in the state's pension plan entirely replaces (rather than compliments) participation in social security.