Social Security (SS) will celebrate its 90th anniversary this summer.
On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law, and over the years it has arguably become the most successful and popular government program in history.
As we mark the anniversary of Social Security, we note that the program is experiencing problems with customer service and that Congress has still not addressed the looming deadline in 2035—when Social Security turns 100—the year
when payments will be reduced by about 20% because the SS surplus runs out of money.
Let’s be clear that Social Security will continue past 2035 as long as working Americans pay into the system. But the surplus funds that Baby Boomers and others paid will run out as more Baby Boomers and Gen Xers retire and start collecting unless Congress acts and approves changes to increase revenues and/or change benefits.
AARP is urging Congress to act sooner rather than wait until the deadline so there are more options for solutions. We also want Congress to be transparent about the changes they are considering so the public can have input.
More immediately, Congress needs to provide oversight to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to prioritize improving customer service. In the last year, AARP has received thousands of calls and messages from ku¯ puna concerned about their Social Security, including complaints about website crashes and outages, and long waits at overwhelmed field offices.
The good news is that people are passionate about SS. A proposal to end phone service for benefit applications generated more than two million messages to Congress. The SSA listened and allowed phone service to continue. We paid into Social Security during our working lives. It’s our money and we must be able to access it in a timely manner without having to wait on hold, without having to make multiple calls, and without websites crashing and inconsistent service at field offices.
AARP Hawai‘i will give an update on Social Security at the Generations Magazine Aging in Place conference at the Ala Moana hotel on Aug. 2.
AARP Hawai‘i is also holding Social Security events across the state. You can also go online to learn more about what’s happening to Social Security and add your voice to the millions calling for improved customer service at aarp.org/socialsecurity.
One last note of caution—the confusion and changes at Social Security may lead to government imposter scams—callers who pretend to be from Social Security and prey on fear. They’ll try to get bank and other personal information. Don’t fall for it. The Social Security Administration will never call you first. They will never threaten you or pressure you. If action is needed on your account, you’ll receive an official letter in the mail from the Social Security Administration.
AARP HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
1001 Bishop St., Ste. 625, Honolulu, HI 96813
866-295-7282 | hiaarp@aarp.org | aarp.org/hi
facebook.com/aarphawaii
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