For more than 50 years, AARP has been fighting to protect and improve Social Security. We're working to ensure that Social Security can fulfill its promises to all those counting on it today and in the future.
Learn more about You've Earned a Say.
AARP is working to ensure that Americans have a voice in any debate about the future of Social Security and Medicare. That's why we've launched You’ve Earned a Say, a national conversation about how to strengthen both programs so today's seniors — as well as future retirees — will receive the benefits they’ve earned. Join the Conversation Now: You’ve Earned a Say.
Strengthening Social Security
Americans have been paying into Social Security for more than 75 years and collecting earned benefits when they retire. Without any changes, Social Security will be able to pay 100 percent of benefits for the next 20 years. After that, the program will still be able to pay 75 percent of promised benefits. However, with gradual and modest adjustments, we can ensure that future generations will receive the benefits they've earned.
Our Social Security values
AARP has a long history of supporting proposals to strengthen Social Security and opposing those that undermine the retirement security of seniors and future generations. Throughout the debate in Washington over how to strengthen Social Security, AARP will fight to ensure that any final plan is based on these critical values:
- Social Security should continue to guarantee that Americans who work and pay into the system receive benefits based on what they earn and contribute.
- Social Security benefits should keep up with inflation and last for as long as an individual lives.
- Social Security must be put on stable financial ground, but any adjustments to the program should be implemented gradually so people can plan for their futures and any changes do not impact those in or near retirement.
- We must protect benefits for people who count on them most, including surviving spouses and families, low-wage workers, and individuals who become disabled and can no longer work.
- Social Security should be kept separate from the rest of the federal budget.
