One of my saddest days was when I went to the local SS office with my Ma, after my Dad passed.
(He (Big Jim) passed on that day that the USU kicker missed a field goal, allowing UW to win the game - some of you might recall.)
Anyhow, I went with my Ma, and it turned out she had to choose between taking his SS "benefits" or taking hers.
She chose his, as it was a little more. She asked the fat lady behind the counter "What will happen to MY money?"
The fat lady said "It goes poof, into the system." And the fat lady laughed.
That same fat lady will get my Ma's money someday.