Fact Sheets - February, 2011

State-by-state data from the House Ways and Means Committee on what it would mean if SSA offices were to close or go on long furloughs, and the effects that would have on beneficiaries and people submitting new claims.
How the GOP Continuing Resolution Would Affect Social Security

Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s earnings; the more a worker makes, the higher the benefit amount will be.
Low Wage Earners and Social Securityen español

For 75 years, Social Security has operated as a family insurance program that serves Americans of all ages.
Social Security and Childrenen español

Social Security is an essential program to millions of Americans, and is especially important to minorities, many of whom have no other source of retirement income.
Social Security and Communities of Coloren español 

According to the Social Security Administration, about 3 in 10 men and 1 in 4 women will become seriously disabled prior to reaching their Social Security retirement age.
Social Security and SSDIen español

Social Security is a critical lifeline for people from all walks of life, and many older women enter retirement with fewer economic resources than men.
Social Security and Womenen español

Today more than 70 million Americans work in private sector firms.  Of that number, more than 10 million work in firms with fewer than 100 employees.  Generally, the smaller the firm size, the less likely the firm will offer a defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plan to workers.
Social Security and Workers in Small Businesses en español

Social Security Works for Your State

State-by-State statistics broken out by state and Congressional District. From Social Security Works, a coalition that includes the Alliance for Retired Americans.

State Reports

Letter to President Obama

Thirty state Alliance Presidents told President Obama that he has “the opportunity to renew the nation’s commitment to the Social Security program during the State of the Union Address” and urged him to reject false claims that Social Security increases the federal budget deficit.

Thirty State Presidents' Letter to Obama January 20 2011

Payroll Tax Holiday Jeopardizes Social Security 

The Strengthen Social Security Campaign, comprised of 250 organizations and representing more than 50 million members from many of the nation’s leading aging, labor, and civil rights organizations - including the Alliance - recently sent a letter to Congress regarding a proposed Social Security payroll tax cut.  The letter urges Congress to oppose the payroll tax “holiday” in the President’s tax agreement with Republican leaders. It highlights how a payroll holiday will make Social Security and those who rely on it extremely vulnerable.

Strengthen Social Security Letter To Congress December 10, 2010: Oppose Payroll Tax Holiday

In a letter to Sen. Reid on December 10, 2010, a group led by Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Mary Landrieu (LA) pushed for an alternative tax cut agreement that strengthens Social Security rather than providing bonus tax cuts on income over $1 million. Other senators signing the letter include Senators Mark Begich (AK), Daniel Akaka (HI), Sherrod Brown (OH), Al Franken (MN), Mark Udall (CO), and Barbara Boxer (CA).

Letter to Majority Leader Reid from Democratic Senators


Recommendations of the Co-Chairs of the President's Fiscal Commission:

On December 3, 2010, the full Commission met to vote on the co-chairs’ proposal.  Under the Executive Order that created the Commission, 14 votes of the 18 members were necessary to make the proposal an official recommendation of the Commission.  The Commission voted 11 to 7 in favor of the proposal, which means the Commission did not adopt the proposals to change Social Security. 
Issue brief on the final actions of the Fiscal Commission       en español 

From Social Security Works, which includes the Alliance as a member of the Steering Committee:
Ten Reasons the Fiscal Commission Proposal Should Be DOA (Dead on Arrival)

Recommendations from Fiscal Commission Co-Chairs Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, November 10, 2010:  Co-Chairs' Proposal 


The Ryan Roadmap: A transfer of Resources to the Wealthiest Americans

In January 2010, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) released The Roadmap for America’s Future, which would radically alter our nation’s social insurance programs and tax policies.  According to an analysis by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a non-partisan think tank, the plan would result in a massive transfer of resources from working and middle class Americans to the nation’s wealthiest individuals.  Under the Republican majority in the House, Congressman Ryan has become the Chairman of the Budget Committee in 2011. Here is how seniors would be affected by the Ryan Roadmap: 
Fact Sheet-Ryan Roadmap-December_15 2010     en español

Other Key Social Security Documents from the Alliance:

Testimony for September 30 Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Hearing  "Protecting and Preserving Social Security for Generations" - testimony and facts, including one New Hampshire Alliance member's story.

Fact Sheet: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)   Spotlights the SSDI program and its importance to retirement security and general welfare.

Testimony for July 15 2010 Ways and Means Committee Social Security Subcommittee Hearing  "Social Security at 75 Years:  More Necessary Now Than Ever" - testimony, including facts about Social Security and recent statistics on retirement security, related to Social Security's 75th anniversary.

Social Security Facts and Figures 2010 A snapshot that answers: When can I receive benefits?  Who is eligible?  How do I apply?

Issue Brief: Social Security - A Promise to All Generations:  A comprehensive overview on the importance of Social Security and its benefits.

Fact Sheet Social Security Executive Commission April 2010      en espanol A detailed synopsis of what is going on with the Fiscal Commission and why it affects Social Security.