A project of:

About the Report

Social Security is our nation’s bedrock social insurance program. It protects American workers, their families and their children against the risks of poverty as a result of old age, death of a spouse or parent, or a life-changing disability. At a time of escalating inequality and declining retirement savings, the National Committee Foundation examines Social Security’s crucial and often neglected role in the economic life of communities in every state.

Research conducted by:
Peter S. Arno, PhD
Senior Fellow and Director, Health Policy Research, Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Board member, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation

Andrew R. Maroko, PhD
Assistant Professor, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

NOTE:
This report uses 2014 data, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Due to rounding some totals may not correspond to the sum of the separate figures.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

$1.6

TRILLION

In 2014, Social Security contributed $1.6 trillion nationally as benefits are spent and generate additional economic activity in every state.

Social Security has an economic stimulus effect—and acts as an automatic economic stabilizer because benefits are received even during economic downturns

See impact in your state
Social Security is a social insurance program for workers and their families throughout their lifetimes

Here’s the breakdown of current recipients

Retired Workers

39

million

WIDOWS, Widowers & Spouses

6.7

million

People with Disabilities

9

million

Children

4.4

million

VIEW BY STATE

Social Security Beneficiary Data

Click on a state to view comprehensive beneficiary data

Social Security Beneficiaries By Race

VIEW BY RACE/ETHNICITY

Social Security Beneficiaries By Age/Gender

VIEW BY AGE

MORE THAN

9

million VETERANS

receive Social Security benefits

VIEW BY STATE

A project of:

About the Report

Social Security is our nation’s bedrock social insurance program. It protects American workers, their families and their children against the risks of poverty as a result of old age, death of a spouse or parent, or a life-changing disability. At a time of escalating inequality and declining retirement savings, the National Committee Foundation examines Social Security’s crucial and often neglected role in the economic life of communities in every state.

Research conducted by:
Peter S. Arno, PhD
Senior Fellow and Director, Health Policy Research, Political Economy Research Institute, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Board member, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Foundation

Andrew R. Maroko, PhD
Assistant Professor, City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

NOTE:
This report uses 2014 data, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Due to rounding some totals may not correspond to the sum of the separate figures.

Social Security Spotlight