It's Your Money: Social Security, Massachusetts and the Future

AARP knows that you work hard and pay into Social Security, so it's only fair for you to expect to get the money you've earned. Social Security is your money - you earned it through a lifetime of hard work. Social Security is essential for helping to cover living expenses and pay your bills.

AARP is hearing from thousands of older Americans who are confused and concerned about their Social Security.

AARP has launched “Countdown to 90 Years” to honor the upcoming 90th anniversary of Social Security on August 14, 2025. Since 1935, Social Security has provided essential financial support to older Americans, people with disabilities, and families who’ve lost loved ones. With over 67 million Americans relying on it today, AARP is committed to ensuring this vital program remains strong and dependable for future generations.

However, Social Security is under pressure. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has faced criticism for workforce cuts, confusing service changes, and harsh overpayment recovery policies. AARP has taken action—blocking harmful proposals, demanding better service, and rallying millions to speak out.

Earlier this spring, the Social Security Administration (SSA) walked back a plan to implement burdensome new in-person measures for identity verification that could have prevented millions of older Americans from applying for benefits by phone.

AARP and other advocates for older Americans and people with disabilities opposed the plan to restrict phone service for benefit applications since the SSA announced it in mid-March. Read More Here.

We still need your voice in this fight to create better customer service. Email your lawmakers today and tell them to strengthen Social Security customer service.

Take action now to protect our hard-earned Social Security.

Nearly one in five Massachusetts residents—1,294,623 people—receives Social Security benefits. These payments inject more than $22.6 billion into the state’s economy every year.

The largest group of beneficiaries in Massachusetts are its 921,297 retired workers, who account for 71.2 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries in the state.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• All About Social Security and Medicare
  Saturday, July 12 at 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
  Thinking about retirement? Join us in Fitchburg for a free workshop that covers how to make smart decisions about Social Security and Medicare—from when to claim benefits to understanding healthcare costs, enrollment, and avoiding common mistakes. You’ve worked hard for your money—now let’s make sure you get the most out of it.
  Click Here to Register
  
• 90 Years of Social Security Celebration
  Tuesday, August 12 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Waltham
  Join us in celebrating 90 years of Social Security at the Waltham Council on Aging, 488 Main Street, Waltham, MA. Let’s celebrate the past and stand together for the future!
  Click Here to Register
  
• 90 Years of Social Security Celebration
  Wednesday, August 13 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM | Gardner
  90 years after its signing, Social Security remains a vital lifeline for millions of older Americans. Now more than ever, we must work to protect and strengthen it. Join us and AARP Chapter 3237 as we honor this important program and its legacy of support for generations.
  Click Here to Register

Massachusetts has 182,588 residents who receive Social Security disability income, representing 14.1 percent of the state’s Social Security beneficiaries.

If politicians don’t take action to protect and save Social Security in the next 10 years, your Social Security could be cut by 20 percent – an average of $4,000 a year.

Social Security Trust Fund Shortfall Could Arrive in 2034
Benefits would be reduced unless Congress acts

AARP's Social Security Resource Center has the answers to important questions, so when Americans are thinking about retirement, they know how to access what they've earned.
These resources include:
• A benefits calculator to help you determine the amount of money you will receive at various ages.
• Answers to common questions to help you understand your Social Security
• A place to take action and tell your elected officials how important Social Security is to you and your family.

Take action now to protect our hard-earned Social Security.