On 90th Anniversary, Survey Finds Social Security Viewed as More Important than Ever

A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.

 “The survey findings reinforce Social Security’s reputation for being one of the most successful and popular initiatives in American history, helping generations of older Kentuckians stay out of poverty and live with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. AARP will never stop fighting to protect the Social Security payments you earned,” said AARP Kentucky Volunteer State President, Gary Adkins. A one-pager with information is also available here.

Nearly two in three retired Americans say they rely substantially on Social Security, while another 21% say they rely on it somewhat. In 2020, 63% of retired Americans said they relied substantially on Social Security, jumping from 58% in both 2015 and 2010.

In our state, more than 1,023,276 million Kentuckians rely on Social Security payments, and it accounts for more than 50% of the family income for more than 449,600 families. Social Security is a way for hardworking Americans to earn a foundation for financial security in retirement. It allows older Kentuckians to put a roof over their head, food on the table, or the freedom to spend time with family, pursue a passion or take a well-earned break.

“I am 86 years old widow who has worked for 40+ years, my Social Security and a small pension is my only income. Without my Social Security I would not be able to support myself, so please do not cut Social Security,” said Mamie Hopkinsville resident and Social Security recipient.

Mamie is one of more than one million people in Kentucky counting on the Social Security they’ve earned to be there when they need it. Of those, 679,811 are retired workers, like Mamie.

AARP’s survey found that Social Security is a key source of income and economic stability in retirement, but Americans have concerns about whether it will be enough.

More than three-quarters of Americans (78%) are worried that Social Security will not provide enough to live on during retirement. In 2020, 74% of people said the same.

Sixty-two percent of people think the average Social Security payment of $2,000 a month is too low. In 2020, 65% thought the average monthly payment was too low, compared to 61% in 2015 and 54% in 2010.

Consistent with previous surveys, 89% of people believe Social Security allows older Americans to remain independent.

The 90th anniversary report builds on AARP’s long-standing public opinion research on Social Security and examines how views have changed since 2005 on Social Security’s role in retirement, its importance to future generations, and the barriers Americans face in saving for retirement.

Source: Social Security Opinions and Attitudes on Its 90th Anniversary report. This nationally representative survey of 3,599 adults ages 18-plus was fielded June 18-23, 2025.
A one-pager with information is also available here.