ISSUE GUIDES: Social Security

PUBLIC VIEW: PEOPLE’S CHIEF CONCERNS
  • Majorities of Americans say making the Social Security system financially sound should be a top priority for Congress, but...
  • Americans agree that Social Security is at least in some financial trouble but are divided on how much change is needed
  • Majorities cite government mismanagement and demographics as the major reasons for Social Security's problems, but the number...
  • Large majorities say the Social Security program will probably go bankrupt if left unchanged
  • Six in 10 Americans say it's more important to have guarantees for the future than personal control
  • When asked to choose, six in 10 Americans say they would prefer to have the burden of a possible future Social Security...
  • Retirees are much more confident than workers that Social Security will continue to provide benefits of at least equal value...
  • The number of Americans who expect to get back about what they contributed to Social Security has significantly increased...
  • Half of Americans believe retirees get back less from Social Security than what they paid into the program
  • Younger Americans are more likely to say they will not receive any money from Social Security
  • Eight in 10 non-retired adults say they are at least somewhat confident they have done a good job of preparing financially...
  • Two-thirds of Americans say they're confident they'll have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, but more than...
  • Workers say employer-sponsored retirement plans and personal savings will provide the largest share of income in retirement...
  • Eight in 10 Americans say it is the government's responsibility to provide a decent standard of living for the elderly, but...