Today...as we speak social security is the only government program which pays it's own way. Every time checks are written a surplus amount is taken in through payroll taxes. Even if no changes are made that fact will continue till about 2040.
In 1950 I paid into the fund the first time. For at least fifteen of my last twenty five years in the work force I paid the maximum. My "paid up date" varied from September to November but I paid the maximum contribution during those years.
The Republicans hated the program from day one because it meant a poor man might have a chance at a respectable end to his life and a recogni ed burial. Before that people ended up in unmarked graves on the property owned by county poor farms. That's what the modern day Republicans would like to see again......Poor Houses.
Today, as we speak, SS is enjoying a payroll tax holiday, which means it is paying out more than it takes in, and has been for over a year. If that meets your definition of pyaing its own way you should be wearing diapers in an assisted living center because you are clearly incapable of taking care of yourself.