[JimRed]

If govt. can require such intrusions for welfare, they can require them for govt.-funded retirement programs as well.

Earned, vs. unearned? I don't think so. Apples and oranges.

[Ken H]

Earned, vs. unearned?

Congress can regulate SS with regards to age, benefit amounts, who is entitled to spousal benefits, etc, despite being "earned".

If Congress can do that with "earned" benefits, what's to stop them from imposing other regulations on recipients?