Did you know that about 69.4 million people — that’s roughly 1 in 5 Americans — got a Social Security payment just in April 2025? Most of those folks are retired, relying on those benefits to cover essentials like food, rent, and bills. And here’s the thing: nearly every working person in the country pays into Social Security through payroll taxes, trusting that when their time comes, the system will be there for them too.
That trust goes back to when Social Security started almost 90 years ago. It’s a promise between generations that has kept millions of Americans financially secure. And because of that, polls show that people across the political spectrum want Congress to protect Social Security, making sure it stays strong and continues paying uninterrupted benefits with good customer service.
Why AARP Cares and Fights for You
You might wonder, who’s looking out for Social Security now? That’s where the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) comes in. AARP has been a fierce defender of Social Security for decades. In fact, on May 14, AARP’s CEO, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, announced a 90-day countdown to Social Security’s 90th birthday and made it clear: AARP is doubling down on the fight to protect the program for the next 90 years.
AARP’s commitment is personal because they represent millions of people just like you — people who have worked hard, paid their dues, and depend on Social Security to keep their financial lives stable.
A Legacy Nearly a Century Old
Social Security began on August 14, 1935, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This law created a national safety net, guaranteeing benefits for retired workers and expanding over time to include spouses, children, survivors, and disabled workers.
As Dr. Minter-Jordan explains, Social Security has been a rock through decades of economic ups and downs, lifting millions out of poverty. And importantly, AARP has always stood against cutting benefits, opposing moves to privatize the program, and pushing back when lawmakers try to use Social Security funds to balance the federal budget.
The Fight Continues — Customer Service and More
Lately, AARP has also turned the spotlight on another big issue — the struggles people face when trying to get help from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Wait times to talk to an SSA representative by phone or in person have become painfully long, and the agency is shrinking its workforce by more than 12%. That’s a problem AARP isn’t willing to ignore.
Dr. Minter-Jordan says the stakes are higher than ever. AARP members have sent over 2 million messages to Congress urging lawmakers to improve Social Security’s services and protect the program. Because here’s a fact worth remembering: Social Security has never missed a payment in 90 years. And with AARP and its members standing guard, that’s not about to change.
