Most Social Security beneficiaries rely on Social Security as their main—or only—source of retirement income. Under the current program structure, however, people who must claim their Social Security benefits early due to ill health, an inability to perform physically demanding jobs, or other issues, receive substantially reduced monthly benefits for the rest of their lives.

To address this, the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), in collaboration with AARP, hosted a Social Security Policy Innovations Challenge to identify much-needed solutions for these older workers who cannot delay claiming benefits. Applicants were invited to submit policy ideas that are innovative and feasible, and have the potential to improve economic security for older workers with limited employment opportunities. The authors of the winning proposals received $20,000 total for each of the four winning ideas. 

“We believe that good ideas that have undergone rigorous factual analysis can drive better policy making,” said AARP Chief Public Policy Officer Debra Whitman. “This Challenge serves as an opportunity to foster the kinds of innovative ideas that will challenge outdated beliefs and make this vital program stronger for future generations.”