Social security has always been simply a means-tested welfare program like any other we have in the US. The tax to to support it the same thing - just an income tax to balance out the budget.

I wouldn't describe myself has having "paid in" to SNAP, or disaster relief funds, etc. Just as I wouldn't describe myself as having "paid in" to social security. I simply paid an income tax at the time like any other. If I'm lucky, when I'm in need some other poor sap will be paying it forward as well.