8 in 10 Americans Say ‘No' to Raising Social Security's Full Retirement Age

There’s a reason that Social Security is called “the third rail of American politics” – as in, touch it and die. Most Americans – especially seniors – are fiercely protective when it comes to their retirement benefits.

That sentiment is reflected in a Quinnipiac University national poll of adults that found 78% of respondents are opposed to proposals that would raise the full retirement age for Social Security benefits from 67 to 70. Opposition remained firm even when respondents were asked whether they would support raising the full retirement age if it meant benefits would last longer, with 30% in favor and 62% against the move.

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The State of Social Security

While the system isn’t in any danger of becoming bankrupt, the trustees who oversee Social Security and Medicare have reported that the surplus in the trust fund that’s used to pay out a portion of benefits will run out sometime in 2034. Once the surplus is gone the payroll taxes that support Social Security would continue to bring in revenue for benefit payments, but those collections would come up about 20% short of the total amount needed. At that point, Congress would have to find other revenue or adjust the benefit rules and payroll tax schedules.

Poll Reveals Deep Anxiety

The amount of anxiety surrounding financial security in retirement was reflected throughout the Quinnipiac poll.

For instance, the top personal financial concern for respondents between ages  50 to 64 was saving for retirement, with 25% saying it was their biggest worry. That also was the top concern for respondents 65 and older, with 26% saying they were anxious about saving enough for retirement.

“When it comes to the golden years, Americans young, old and in-between share the same worry,” said Osman Kilic, a Quinnipiac professor of finance and business. “There’s a cloud of doubt hanging over the quality of life they’ll have when they retire, especially among those between 35 and 64 years of age.”

The poll surveyed nearly 1,800 adults from across the political spectrum. While 29% of respondents identified themselves as Democrats, 27% were Republicans. Another 29% said they were independents while the remaining 15% of participants said they belong to another political party or simply don’t know.

Among all respondents, 22% reported that inflation, higher interest rates and other elements of the current economy have prompted them to reconsider when they’ll be able to retire. Among respondents between 50 and 64 years old, 32% said they’ve already delayed their retirement plan.

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