Social Security has evolved to become backbone of the U.S. retirement savings system, particularly for middle-class Americans, and often is referred to as one of the nation’s most popular government programs. Nearly all workers participate in Social Security, which means nearly all retirees receive at least some income from Social Security each month. Despite the popularity of Social Security, federal policymakers have yet to craft a long-term Social Security funding fix to address the impending depletion of the trust fund. In the coming decade, the funding challenges will force the nation into a debate and decisions about the future of Social Security.

In anticipation of this coming debate, the National Institute on Retirement Security surveyed Americans on their views regarding the Social Security program. The survey asked Americans what they think of the program generally and what are their views about specific ideas on how to reform the program and shore up its financing.  Stay tuned to learn the results!

Americans’ Views of Social Security finds Americans want action now on a long-term funding solution for Social Security. When asked about the timing for Congress to act on addressing Social Security’s funding shortfall, Americans don’t want leaders to kick the can down the road. Eighty-seven percent say Congress should act now rather than waiting another ten years to find a solution. This sentiment holds strong across gender, age, and party affiliation.

This nationwide survey also finds that 87 percent of Americans agree that Social Security should remain a priority for the nation no matter the state of budget deficits, and this support holds strong across party affiliation. Ninety percent of Democrats, 86 percent of Republicans and 88 percent of Independents support keeping Social Security a priority. Americans also support increasing employer and employee contributions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Social Security.

This research’s key findings are as follows:

• Americans overwhelmingly support Social Security. Some 87 percent of Americans agree that Social Security should remain a priority for the nation no matter the state of budget deficits. This support is strong across the board regardless of gender, age, employer, income, or party affiliation. Americans also support increasing employer and employee contributions to ensure the long term sustainability of Social Security.
• Most Americans understand when they can start receiving Social Security benefits but are less sure of their own benefit levels. Among those who are not retired, most provided accurate responses about when they can start claiming Social Security income and the full retirement age. However, Americans are not clear on their own benefits levels even though this information is readily available from SSA.

• Americans have mixed views on adjusting Social Security benefit levels, but most say their retirement security depends on sustained Social Security benefit levels. When it comes to expanding Social Security, slightly more than half of Americans (52 percent) agree with this concept. Some 47 percent disagree with raising the retirement age, which is a benefit cut. Nearly three-fourths of those who aren’t retired indicate that a financially secure retirement is contingent upon future benefits at least equal to those provided to current retirees. But more than half of those who aren’t retired (53 percent) aren’t confident they’ll have the same Social Security benefits as current retirees, with women and Gen Xers the least confident.
• Americans want action now on Social Security. When asked about when Congress should act to address Social Security’s funding shortfall, Americans don’t want leaders to kick the can down the road. Eighty-seven percent say Congress should act now rather than waiting another ten years to find a solution. This sentiment holds strong across gender, age, and party affiliation.

Conducted by Greenwald Research, information for this study was collected from online interviews between October 10-25, 2023. A total of 1208 individuals aged 25 and older completed the survey. The final data were weighted by age, gender, and income to reflect the demographics of Americans aged 25 and older. The sample was selected using Dynata, an online sample provider.