Concerns surrounding the reliability of Social Security are growing among older Americans, particularly women, as evidenced by recent focus groups conducted by AARP. Participants expressed doubts about the program’s future, with some fearing significant reductions in benefits. “They’ll find a way to take it from you,” remarked Dorothy B., a 74-year-old Democrat from North Carolina, during a session aimed at exploring the priorities of women aged 50 and older.
The discussions revealed a notable shift in sentiment. Claudia C., a 65-year-old participant from Washington, shared her decision to claim her Social Security benefits earlier than planned due to her concerns. “I could have waited until 70 or my full retirement age and gotten a lot more money. But I felt that I should take it now. At least I got the money now,” she explained. All eight women in this Democratic-leaning group conveyed worries about the future of their benefits.
Uncertainty about Social Security was not limited to one political affiliation. Among Republican participants, Amy M., a 70-year-old from Missouri, echoed similar apprehensions. “Congress can’t seem to get on the same page about anything,” she stated, referencing predictions of funding depletion by 2032. Her sentiment reflects a growing belief that the government may not take necessary steps to ensure the program’s stability.
The anxiety surrounding Social Security marks a significant departure from previous polling trends. Historically, Americans have maintained a relatively steady confidence in the program. However, AARP’s recent findings indicate a seven-percentage-point decline in overall trust compared to five years ago. While about 65 percent of Americans over 65 expressed confidence in the program’s future, younger age groups reflected more skepticism.
According to Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and Disability Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the uncertainty expressed in the focus groups is surprising. “Typically, as people get older, they become more confident in the future of Social Security,” she noted. One potential reason for this shift may be a broader decline in public trust in institutions.
A report from the Urban Institute suggests a rise in early claims for benefits following cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency, as older individuals reacted to perceived instability within the Social Security Administration. “When people saw chaos at [the Social Security Administration] in how the program was being implemented, they wanted to take the money and run,” Romig added. This choice could have long-term implications for beneficiaries, as claiming Social Security at age 62 instead of age 67 results in a permanent reduction of 30 percent in monthly benefits.
Economic conditions are closely intertwined with attitudes toward Social Security. Rising costs and inflation have diminished the purchasing power of benefits, prompting increased anxiety among those who depend on Social Security for financial security. “With rising costs, Social Security doesn’t go as far because things are more expensive,” said Jenn Jones, vice president of Financial Security and Liveable Communities in Government Affairs at AARP.
Older women face unique challenges in this context. Typically, they receive lower Social Security payments than men, partly due to the gender pay gap, which sees women earning around 80 cents to every dollar earned by men. Furthermore, women often take on caregiving roles, which can disrupt their work history and further diminish their financial stability. “More often than not, women are the ones who have to step away from the workforce to care for loved ones,” Jones explained.
Looking ahead, both Romig and Jones believe that immediate changes to benefits for current recipients are unlikely. “There’s a pretty strong bipartisan consensus that you just don’t go after people who are already receiving benefits or are close to it,” Romig stated. Nevertheless, the anxiety among older Americans, particularly women, is palpable. “Confidence in all kinds of institutions has been diminishing over some time, but especially this year,” Romig noted, highlighting the impact of recent federal government changes on public trust.
As discussions about the future of Social Security continue, the voices of older women serve as a critical reminder of the real concerns faced by millions who rely on this vital support system. This article is published in partnership with The 19th, an independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on gender, politics, policy, and power.
