Social Security at 90: Why Protecting It Matters Now More Than Ever
August 14th, 2025, marks a historic day in American history. Exactly 90 years ago, in 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. While Social Security started off as a program to keep older people out of poverty, it has grown into a cornerstone for millions: it helps older Americans live and retire with dignity, supports people with disabilities, and provides vital income to families after a loss.
The critical support that Social Security provides is why the program continues to have strong public support among millions of people from all walks of life, including my own mother. As she nears retirement age, she looks forward to enjoying life after four decades of work, without worrying about her financial security because of the safety net Social Security provides. All people deserve that peace of mind as they age, which is why we must protect Social Security now more than ever.
Today, almost 74 million people receive Social Security benefits.
Over the past nine decades, Social Security has become the foundation for the economic security of millions of older women, who are more likely than older men to fall below the poverty line. And older women of color especially depend on Social Security for their financial security.
- In 2024, women made up over 54% of Social Security beneficiaries ages 62 and older and 62% of beneficiaries ages 85 and older.
- Social Security kept more than 27.6 million people out of poverty, as measured by the Supplemental Poverty Measure in 2023, including 14.6 million women (1.9 million of whom are Black, 1.5 million of whom are Latina, 515,000 of whom are Asian, and 10.5 million of whom are white, non-Hispanic).
Despite its importance and popularity, Social Security is under threat. The Social Security Administration, under DOGE’s direction, is cutting thousands of employees and shutting down regional offices across the country, resulting in long wait times on the phone and less help for beneficiaries. These cuts only undermine the system and hurt people receiving benefits. In the longer term, Social Security faces funding challenges. The latest Social Security trustees’ report projects that the trust fund reserves will be unable to pay full benefits starting in 2034, unless policymakers take action.
People like my mother deserve to receive the benefits they’ve earned when they retire. Enacting and implementing common-sense policy solutions, like making sure the wealthy are paying their fair share, is how we ensure that Social Security is ultimately protected and strengthened.
As we celebrate the importance of Social Security in this country over the past 90 years, we have one birthday wish: strengthening this critical program to ensure the financial security of those who need it the most for years to come.