Celebrating 90 Years of Social Security

This August, AARP Alaska celebrated the 90^th Anniversary of the Social Security Act being signed. Since being enacted on August 14^th, 1935, Social Security has supported a secure retirement for millions of Americans, helping them to retire and age with dignity. In its 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment, which allows Americans to reap the benefits of their hard work with certainty.

Honoring a Milestone Statewide

AARP Alaska celebrated with a series of Social Security 90^th events statewide. AARP Alaska hosted three Social Security parties at Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center, Anchorage Senior Activity Center, and Wasilla Area Senior Center. Members of Congress sent videos to be played at the beginning of each event, followed by a trivia game on Social Security and the year 1935 with prizes. A “back in 1935” placemat with fun facts was put at each seat (pictured below).

Those over the age of 90 also received a special prize. Seniors were then asked to sign large Social Security card stickers with what Social Security meant for them, and then stick them onto a giant 90^th Anniversary card, which was taken to multiple events (and provided a great photo op!). Participants left with a greater knowledge of Social Security and what it does.

To allow statewide participation in the anniversary, AARP Alaska also created a “Social Security Event Toolkit” that was sent out to senior centers and event hosts across the state. The kit included trivia questions, prizes, videos from the congressional delegation, “back in 1935” placemats, and other resources to increase engagement and education. Additionally, the giant Social Security card was taken to the Palmer State Fair, the AARP Anchorage Fall Financial Fitness Fair, and the Alaska Federation of Natives Conference.

Participants had fun and connected with their community while still learning about what Social Security does and why it’s important. We will keep fighting for Social Security so Alaskans like you can get the money they've earned!

The Need for Protection

According to AARP’s Social Security Dashboard, more than one in five United States residents receive Social Security. 115,096 Alaskans receive Social Security, which injects $2.3 billion into the state’s economy each year. Without these payments, over 28% of Alaskans aged 65 and over would be living in poverty. Social Security is crucial for Alaskans to be able to age with this critical financial foundation both now and in the future.

Despite its importance, Social Security still faces challenges. AARP is leading the charge to ensure beneficiaries receive full benefits and to guarantee access to customer service.

Since Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, funded by payroll taxes. However, the most recent Social Security’s Trustees’ Report projects that the combined Social Security trust funds will be able to pay 100% of scheduled benefits until 2034, after which they will be able to pay 81% of scheduled benefits if no changes are made. This will cause a 20% reduction in Social Security payments nationally. While Congress reformed this program in 1983, it must step up again to ensure that older Americans receive the payments they need.

Join the Fight to Protect Social Security

Want to sign our pledge, and stand up to protect Social Security?” Click here!

Interested in learning about the history of Social Security? Click here to view the timeline!

Take a deep dive into Social Security to explore the program’s origins, its evolution over the decades, and its vital role in Americans’ lives today by watching this 45-minute documentary produced by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare! Watch the trailer here, and view the full documentary here.