Social Security is approaching its 90th anniversary and a new AARP survey underlines a concerning paradox: there are more Americans than ever are depending on the program, even as their trust in its future continues to decrease.
Rising Dependence Among Retirees
According to the AARP survey, approximately two-thirds of retirees in this day, say they heavily rely on Social Security for their income. This is a major increase from 2005, where approximately 50% of retirees shared the same response.
This change highlights the importance of Social Security payment checks especially in time of economic uncertainty. There are many Americans who do not fully understand the importance of Social Security until they actually start receiving it. AARP officials state that the experience of being able to withdraw benefits gives people a proper understanding of the program and what it holds. This is especially related to the inflation adjustment factor that assist people maintain their purchasing power.
Filing for Benefits at Record Levels
New data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) shows that Americans are applying for benefits at exponential rates in 2025. However, this rapid increase comes at a time where the SSA is facing staff reductions and funding concerns which poses a threat on its financial sustainability.
While many workers retire with the safety net of robust 401(k) accounts and employer matches, about half of private-sector employees don’t have access to workplace retirement plans at all. This makes Social Security a lifeline for millions of people entering retirement with limited savings.
Soaring Beneficiary Numbers
The number of Americans that are relying on Social Security has increased in the recent decades. In the year 2024, retirees, disabled workers and surviving family members received benefits, this accounted for 68 million individuals. That represents a 42% increase from two decades ago. According to AARP, this number is expected to increase and reach 82 million by 2035.
Regardless of this, many Americans still don’t completely understand how the system works. For example, only 24% of survey respondents knew that age 70 is when you can receive the highest possible Social Security benefit. Approximately one-third of people wrongly believe that if the Social Security trust funds run out, all benefits will stop. In reality, if Congress doesn’t act, benefits would be reduced by about 20%, not eliminated altogether.
A Program Under Pressure
Social Security is projected to face a funding shortage by 2034 unless lawmakers take steps to improve the trust funds. If no action is taken, payments could be reduced and this will affect millions of retirees who depend on them for survival.
In addition to this, are the recent staffing cuts at the SSA, which may impact service delivery and the agency’s ability to meet public needs.
Public Concern on the Rise
AARP’s research found that 78% of Americans are concerned that the program won’t provide enough income in retirement. Only 36% of Americans believe Social Security will continue to pay out reliably, this decreased from 43% in 2020.
Despite the rising anxiety, approximately 96% of Americans agree that Social Security is an important part of retirement planning.
Younger Americans Most Doubtful
Americans in their 30s are most doubtful about receiving full benefits when their time comes. Yet, AARP points out this isn’t unusual, young adults have historically underestimated the role Social Security will play in their own futures.
A Warning—and a Call to Action
“Receiving Social Security changes how people view the program. They realize how important that inflation-adjusted treatment income is,” said AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan.”
One thing is certain as Social Security approaches a critical cross-road, American are relying on the program more than ever and they want to be sure that it will be there when they require it the most.