Americans of All Ages View Social Security as Safety Net: AARP

Three out of every four adults age 18 or older are factoring in Social Security income when planning ahead for their retirement, according to a survey released Wednesday by AARP. Even among younger people aged 18 to 29, 62% expect to rely on Social Security.

Eighty-five percent oppose cutting Social Security to reduce the federal deficit, and 72% are strong opposed to the idea, the survey conducted by GfK Roper found.

"The message from people of all ages to Washington is clear: Don't erode the one bedrock of retirement security that unites all Americans," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. "Americans see Social Security as a benefit they're earned over a lifetime of hard work, adn they opose it being used to reduce the deficit."

LeaMond went on to describe Social Security as a "lifeline to millions of friends, family members and neighbors for 75 years" that should be kept intact for "future generations [of] younger Americans."

AARP and GfK's survey of 1,200 adults, which included 419 retirees, also asked people if they are concerned whether they will have adequate funds to live properly in their retirement. More than three-quarters, 77%, said no, they do not think they will have enough money, and 57% of those under the age of 50 said they would be willing to pay more out of their paychecks to the program to maintain today's level of benefits.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
Practice management Retirement planning
MORE FROM FINANCIAL PLANNING