Schakowsky Marks the 79th Anniversary of Social Security
Chicago – Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, released the following statement on the 79th Anniversary of Social Security:
“Today we celebrate the 79th anniversary of Social Security, which provides benefits to 59 million Americans; including children, the disabled, surviving spouses and retirees. In all these years Social Security has never missed a check, providing needed benefits to families all across the country.”
Facts on Social Security
- 9 of 10 seniors (65 and older) receive Social Security – 2 of 3 rely on Social Security’s earned benefits for the majority of their income and for 1 of 3 it is 90 percent or more of their income.
- Social Security lifts more than 22 million Americans out of poverty, including more than a million children. Without Social Security, nearly half of women age 65 and older would be living in poverty.
- 8.8 million disabled workers receive monthly benefits.
- 6.2 million survivors and 4.9 dependents receive Social Security.
- In Illinois, 2.13 million people receive an average of $2,610 in monthly Social Security benefits.
“Today our country is facing a retirement insecurity crisis – the average American retires with virtually no savings. This is largely because pensions and retirement savings have been under attack – leaving Americans financially vulnerable when they are able to retire.
Given this reality we must continue to stand up for seniors. I am co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, which was created to raise awareness about the need improve the health and well-being of America’s seniors. This group has always focused on the importance of Social Security.
Through the years Social Security is one of the few resources that seniors can rely to provide a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted earned income after a lifetime of hard work. On this anniversary we should celebrate its success, remain committed to protecting it from any cuts and focus on strengthening it into the future.”
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