Social Security operations, Baltimore, Maryland, 1971.
AARP Alaska invites you to join us in celebrating the 90th anniversary of Social Security on Aug. 14. For 90 years, Social Security has provided a stable and reliable foundation for the retirement security of millions of Americans. We are committed to ensuring that this vital program remains strong for generations to come.
A legacy of security
Since 1935, Social Security has been a cornerstone for older Americans, enabling them to live and retire with dignity. It has supported people with disabilities and provided vital income to families after the loss of a loved one. Social Security is earned through a lifetime of hard work and has weathered economic downturns, political changes, and demographic shifts. Remarkably, in 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment.
Today, more than 67 million Americans rely on Social Security, including 115,096 Alaskans. For many, it is the bedrock of their retirement. It is the only retirement program that adjusts for inflation, ensuring that Americans can plan confidently for their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, one thing remains clear: We must continue to protect and strengthen Social Security for generations to come.
A system under pressure
Still, Social Security faces challenges. Between ensuring beneficiaries receive full benefits and guaranteeing access to customer service when they need it, AARP continues to advocate to protect and strength the program.
Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system. The program is funded by payroll taxes, so as long as there are workers paying into Social Security, there will be Social Security for those collecting benefits. However, the program does face funding challenges. The most recent Social Security Trustees' Report finds that the surplus will run out in 2035, resulting in a 20% reduction in Social Security payments. To prevent that shortfall, Congress must step up once again, as it did when it reformed the program in 1983, before millions of Americans are left with less than they have earned.
Customer service is another area where Social Security continues to struggle. Budget and staffing levels have strained the Social Security Administration's ability to provide vital services. Administrative chaos at the agency this year has increased the ongoing customer service crisis. SSA has struggled with call wait times, hold times, customer service resolutions and staffing issues, according to its own data. Many Americans who need access to the program face hours on the phone or in line at their local offices. Alaskan living in rural areas or off the road system face unique hardships in accessing support when customer service falters.
AARP is fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security
For more than 65 years, AARP has worked with every administration and Congress to protect and strengthen Social Security. Now, AARP is leading the charge to defend Social Security from harmful changes, and to ensure it remains strong for our children and grandchildren.
We mobilized AARP members and stopped the Social Security Administration from implementing burdensome changes that would have made it more difficult for Alaskans to access information and payments.
AARP has called out delays, excessive call wait times, and staffing shortages, demanding that the Social Security Administration prioritize service and accessibility.
AARP mobilized more than 1,200 Alaskans (three million nationally) to send messages to members of Congress urging them to protect and strengthen Social Security.
Join the fight, take action
Throughout the month of August, AARP Alaska and other AARP state offices across the country will celebrate Social Security's 90th anniversary. We are hosting 90th anniversary celebrations at local senior centers throughout Alaska. Sign AARP's pledge to protect Social Security for future generations (www.aarp.org/socialsecurity) and visit us at our booth at the Palmer State Fair on Aug. 29 to sign our anniversary card and share why the program is important to you and your family.
But this is more than a celebration of the 90th anniversary for Social Security. It is a call to action. Social Security is our money. We earned it. Let's work together to ensure Social Security stays strong for the next 90 years.
