How Much Do You Know about Social Security?

For 75 years, Americans have been paying into Social Security with the guarantee that in return for their hard-earned dollars, they’ll receive a benefit when they’re ready to retire. Social Security’s guaranteed benefits are a rock-solid commitment to American families.

Companies go out of business, pensions are terminated, and the stock market can take a nose dive. But Social Security benefits are there in good times and bad. And we must make sure it stays that way!

“One in six Granite Staters – over 245,000 people -- receive Social Security benefits,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “Social Security not only provides monthly benefits to retired workers but to families when the worker retires, dies or becomes disabled.”

Test your knowledge of Social Security with these interesting facts.

Social Security pumps over $272 million into New Hampshire’s economy each month. That’s nearly $3.25 billion dollars of critical aid each year to New Hampshire families.

Many Granite Staters would have almost no income without Social Security.
One in five over the age of 65 relies on Social Security for 90% of their income.

Social Security is a foundation of retirement for the middle class. One in two over the age of 65 depends on Social Security for 50% of their income.

The average monthly Social Security benefit in New Hampshire is $1,110 per month. Across the country, Social Security benefits kept 35.5% of older Americans (2008 statistics) from falling below the poverty level. Sadly, 9.7% of seniors were living in poverty even WITH Social Security.

Social Security provides rock-solid benefits for many. Granite Staters receiving Social Security benefits include 161,891 retirees, 39,678 people with disabilities, 16,032 widows and widowers, 19,974 children, and 7,988 spouses. For the people of New Hampshire, Social Security is a safety net for the middle class and a lifeline for thousands more.

AARP is working to ensure that if you pay into Social Security, you will receive the benefits you’ve earned over a lifetime of hard work. Your Social Security benefit will keep up with inflation for as long as you live.

If you become disabled and can no longer work, you will receive a benefit. And if you die, your family will be protected. You continue to have access to a decent early retirement benefit if you need it.

“Social Security is and will continue to be critical to the economic security of New Hampshire families,” added Clark. “That is why AARP is asking our elected leaders to focus on the impact on real people when debating changes to Social Security.”

To get involved with AARP New Hampshire’s efforts to keep Social Security strong, email Steve Griffin. Or tell us your story about how Social Security has helped you. Email nh@aarp.org and share your experiences.

To find out more about AARP New Hampshire’s activities and advocacy, follow us on Facebook.

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