Inaction Now Could Cost Future Idaho Retirees Nearly 25 Percent their of Social Security

Boise, ID -- New analysis conducted by AARP shows that 806,000 Idaho workers who are paying into Social Security today stand to lose 25 percent of their benefits if the President and Congress don’t act.

While the revenue shortfall faced by the Social Security system that could result in cuts is not imminent, in June, the Social Security Trustees reported that the trust fund would run dry in 2034. After that time,

across-the-board cuts of nearly 25 percent would take effect if no action is taken.

“Doing nothing is not an option.  The question is how long will our leaders wait to act,” said Tom Trail, AARP Idaho state president. “Candidates need to show they can lead on this issue and give voters real answers on how they will update Social Security for future generations.”

 

That is why AARP launched Take A Stand – a national campaign focused on pressing candidates to show leadership on Social Security. Find out more at www.2016takeastand.org.

Here is a glimpse of what a 25-percent cut would mean to future retirees in the Gem State:

• The average annual family income of Idaho retirees would plunge by $4,500. For many state residents, losses would be much higher.

• The poverty rate of older Idahoans would skyrocket 86%. Nearly 13,000 additional people would be pushed into poverty.

• Idahoans typically spend $6,700 a year on groceries, $4,600 a year on utilities, and $7,200 on health care. A cut of nearly 25 percent would force households to make painful choices about what to buy and what to do without – at a time when the cost of necessities like food and prescription drugs continues to rise.

“This snapshot of the potential effects of inaction on future generations makes it abundantly clear that Social Security needs to be a top priority in the presidential debate,” said Trail.  “Voters deserve to know how the candidates’ plans will affect families, what they will cost and how they’ll get it done.”