Social Security celebrates its 89th birthday today, and there is much to celebrate. Social Security touches the lives of virtually every American. Almost 97 percent of the older population in the United States will receive Social Security benefits, averaging more than $1,800 monthly for retired workers. Social Security has evolved into one of the most popular and effective anti-poverty programs in the U.S., but it is at a critical juncture. The Social Security Trust Fund faces a looming financial shortfall, and Congress and the White House must take action to avert an across-the-board cut to the benefits that retirees depend upon to pay their day-to-day living expenses.

Read the latest Forbes column by Dan Doonan, executive director of the National Institute on Retirement Security, on the critical importance of taking action new to craft a long-term funding solution for Social Security.