Social Security is one of the most beloved social programs in the United States. It helps provide financial support for vulnerable populations, such as seniors and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, now in its 90th year of existence, more and more workers are pessimistic about whether the program can help them in their future.

That Social Security won't be enough for future generations continues to cause uncertainty among Americans. A recent Bankrate survey, released on October 22, found that three in four workers believe the promised benefits may not be available when they retire.

The study found that 76% of employees and 80% of retirees are concerned about the stability of the program. By 2024, those percentages were lower, 73% and 71%, respectively, reflecting an accelerating loss of confidence.

The fears are not unfounded. According to AARP projections, the Social Security fund could run out of reserves by 2034. By that year, the system would only have enough resources to pay out about 81% of benefits.

“The program's funding has become more quantifiably threatening in recent years,” warned Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate. For millions of people, that date has become a symbol of uncertainty and worry.

Adding to the financial woes is institutional instability. In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has faced staff cuts, leadership changes, and policy adjustments. All of this has fueled the perception of chaos.

President Donald Trump intensified the doubts by telling Congress in March that the agency is suffering from “shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud.” Some critics even fear that his administration may seek to privatize the program.

An AARP survey released in July showed that only 36% of Americans are confident in the future of Social Security, down from 43% in 2020.

Fear has led many to claim their benefits early. According to the AARP, about 25% of people between the ages of 62 and 66 have already requested their payment or plan to do so.

A Social Security official reported that applications for new benefits increased 15% in March compared to a year earlier. In the first eight months of 2025, 1.7 million additional people were added as beneficiaries, more than in all of 2024.

Experts warn that claiming early can reduce long-term income. Although you can start claiming at age 62, monthly payments increase until age 70, when the maximum benefit is reached.

Despite the hesitation, most Americans continue to rely on the program. According to Bankrate, 52% of workers expect to live off these payments when they retire, and 78% of retirees say they rely on them today.

The dependency level has also increased. AARP data shows that 65% of retirements rely “substantially” on Social Security, up from 51% in 2005.

To save the program, lawmakers will need to act soon. They could raise taxes, raise the retirement age, or take on more debt.

“I think Congress will definitely do something to avoid cutting benefits,” Emily Ekins of the Cato Institute told USA TODAY. However, Hamrick doesn't share that optimism. “There hasn't been anything that bolsters confidence that they'll solve the problem easily,” she cautioned.

While the future of Social Security remains under debate, experts recommend that workers not rely solely on this income. Saving on your own and seeking other sources of retirement income may be the best defense against an uncertain outlook.

The message is clear: confidence in Social Security is waning, and while the program remains a vital pillar for millions, its stability depends on decisions that must be made soon.

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