AARP Poll Finds 95% Back Social Security Protection as 2034 Trust Fund Deadline Nears
Updated
Updated · AARP · Aug 14
AARP Poll Finds 95% Back Social Security Protection as 2034 Trust Fund Deadline Nears
2 articles · Updated · AARP · Aug 14
Summary
Ninety-five percent of U.S. adults say Social Security is important, and 91% want Congress to protect it for future generations, according to a new AARP survey released as lawmakers weigh financing fixes.
The urgency is a 2034 funding shortfall: the Social Security trustees said in June that combined trust funds would be depleted then, leaving incoming revenue to cover only about 83% of scheduled benefits without congressional action.
Support spans age and party lines, with 97% of people 65 and older, 93% of those 50 to 64, and 87% of adults 18 to 49 saying younger generations should receive the benefits they are earning.
More than 71 million Americans received Social Security in July, including nearly 55 million retired workers and 7 million people with disabilities; average monthly payments were $2,086 for retirees and $1,635 for SSDI recipients.
AARP is pressing Congress to shore up financing without benefit cuts or privatization, arguing the program now plays a larger role in retirement security as pensions have faded and personal savings often fall short.
If 95% value Social Security and trust funds may run short by 2034, what reforms can protect benefits without sudden cuts?
With retirement funds under pressure but disability benefits steadier, how should lawmakers strengthen Social Security for both retirees and disabled workers?