For all the complaining people do about the Social Security Administration, it may be difficult to believe that most Americans like Social Security and don’t want Social Security to go anywhere. Many people are counting on the government agency for retirement stability and as a safety net if they become injured and are unable to work. This is despite Republican attempts to denigrate the agency’s Disability Insurance (DI) program.
The National Academy of Social Insurance did a public opinion poll on the attitudes of Americans about Social Security. Despite the Republican rhetoric about systematically changing the DI program, the average American believes that not only should Social Security retirement and disability benefits be preserved, but are even willing to pay more to preserve the benefits. It is interesting to note that this is a widely held notion that has bipartisan support, something that WashingtonD.C. hasn’t seen in quite a few years. According to the poll 91 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of Republicans believe in preserving Social Security benefits. Below are some of the highlights of the poll.
Reason I don’t mind paying Social Security taxes?
- I know that I will be receiving benefits when I retire: 80 percent of respondents agreed.
- I know I would have to help support my parents, grandparents, or other family members if they did not receive Social Security: 78 percent of respondents agreed.
- It provides security and stability to millions of retired Americans, disabled individuals, and the children and widowed spouses of deceased workers: 84 percent of respondents agreed.
This opinion poll reinforces that Americans count on the Social Security retirement and disability programs for their future and will go to great lengths to protect it as 82 percent of the respondents say they would even support increasing Social Security taxes to preserve the programs. It is clear that the American public is informing the Republicans to tread lightly before trying to dismantle the DI program.
To learn more about the opinion poll click here.
