O n the 75th anniversary of Social Security, its trustees report that program remains strong, despite a demographic problem that may strain its resources in the next quarter-century.

The forecast makes the following points:

”“ The program is likely have the  resources to pay full benefits through 2037.

”“ Social Security trust funds have risen to $2.5 trillion and this surplus earned $118 billion in interest on government securities last year.

”“ Although these funds will eventually be depleted by rising costs, the present payroll tax will remain sufficient to cover 78 percent of scheduled benefits.

Opponents have argued that Social Security is unsustainable ever since it was launched in 1935, but it continues to provide benefits to the retired and disabled that protect the poorest from hunger and hardship and assure all of us basic financial security in our later years.

Last weekend, President Barack Obama pledged continue Democratic support for the social insurance program. This is welcome news, as a federal commission is due to consider options for addressing the cost of entitlements and the growing federal deficit.

In the 2008 campaign, Obama expressed concern over the rising demographic costs facing Social Security. But in last week’s radio address, the president said he intended to keep faith with the Social Security Act signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“We have an obligation to keep that promise, to safeguard Social Security for our seniors, people with disabilities and all Americans — today, tomorrow and forever,” Obama said.

President George W. Bush tried in 2005 to change the mission of Social Security, and privatization remains an idea with strong support among some Republicans. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the top Republican on the House Budget Committee, has proposed such an approach. His “Roadmap for America’s Future” calls for reducing guaranteed Social Security benefits and creating personal accounts.

Such efforts to dismantle this social insurance program have inhibited progress on the reforms that will eventually be needed. Congress must eventually make changes to close the gap between revenue expenses, and the payroll tax should be the first priority for reformers. Currently, income above $106,800 is entirely exempt from this tax.

Would-be reformers are also likely to weigh such options as benefit reductions and a higher retirement age. We hope such cutbacks ”“ and the hardships they would entail ”“ can be avoided by requiring high earners to pay a fairer share of Social Security’s costs.

In the end, Congress will have the decisive voice on any proposed Social Security reforms ”“ another reason why voters should do their homework before this fall’s elections.