The District’s AARP chapter marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security on Thursday, highlighting the program’s critical role for local seniors and calling for continued congressional support.
More than 84,000 District residents depend on Social Security benefits, including 19,000 who rely on the program for more than half their income, according to AARP.
The Social Security Act was signed into law 90 years ago Thursday, creating what AARP called “a foundation for financial security and dignity in retirement” for American workers.
Today, more than 69 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, a number expected to grow to 82 million by the program’s 100th anniversary. For more than 40% of older Americans, Social Security serves as their primary income source and often represents their only inflation-protected retirement income.
“For 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic stability, allowing District residents retire with dignity,” said Louis Davis Jr., AARP’s D.C. state director. “Here in the nation’s capital, more than 84,000 people rely on the benefits they’ve earned through a lifetime of hard work.”
The program helps tens of millions of Americans avoid poverty and maintain dignity in retirement after decades of work, AARP said.
To commemorate the anniversary, the organization hosted two ice cream socials in the city. AARP also urged Congress to maintain adequate funding for Social Security both now and in the future.
“As we celebrate this milestone, AARP remains steadfast in our commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security — not just for today’s retirees, but for generations to come,” Davis said.