Knowledge and Attitudes Related to the Social Security Trust Fund

In May 2026, AARP surveyed adults age 18 and older to understand how well they grasp the Social Security Trust Fund solvency challenge, and whether they think the average Social Security benefit is sufficient.  The research found that only 23% of adults age 18-plus correctly understand that Social Security will still be able to make partial payments after 2034 if no changes are made. This understanding is more prevalent among adults 50 and older (29%) than those ages 18 to 49 (18%). Furthermore, 58% of all adults view the average monthly retiree payment of $2,079 as "too low," a sentiment held by 61% of the 50-plus demographic.

The study also revealed that Americans intend to hold elected officials accountable. Across all adults, 67% say they would be less likely to vote for their member of Congress if they allow Social Security payments to be cut by failing to act. This electoral pressure is strongest among adults 50-plus (76%), while 58% of those ages 18 to 49 share the same view.

Methodology

Interviews were conducted between May 14 and 18, 2026, among 1,047 U.S. adults age 18-plus in the AmeriSpeak 18+ Omnibus. Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, AmeriSpeak is a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population age 18 or older. Interviews were conducted online and via phone. All data are weighted by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, region, and AARP membership. Interviews were conducted online and via phone.

For more information, please contact Bryan Miller at bmmiller@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.