Memo to Candidates: Address Social Security

With key U.S. Senate and congressional races heating up for the November elections, AARP will be at the state fair in Springfield, Aug. 11-21, engaging thousands of people in urging candidates to explain their plans to keep Social Security strong for current and future generations.

“People who have worked hard and paid into Social Security deserve to know how candidates will ensure the benefits they’ve earned will keep up with inflation and continue to provide a secure source of income throughout their lives,” said Andre Jordan, AARP associate state director for advocacy and outreach.

About 68 percent of Illinois residents 65 and older—nearly 1.5 million people—received Social Security in 2014, with an average monthly benefit of $1,361. For more information, go to aarp.org/il or takeastand.aarp.org.