Americans Value Social Security— Willing To Pay For It (NAPSA)—When it comes to retirement, Americans are count- ing on Social Security. Two-thirds of recipients over the age of 65 rely on Social Secu- rity for more than half of their total income, according to a report, “Social Security: An Essential Asset and Insurance Protection for All,” released by the nonpartisan National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI). Andit’s not just retirees who benefit from Social Security’s protection. Although 69 percent of benefits go to retired persons, 17 percent go to disabled workers and their families and 14 percent go to survivors. A new poll released by NASI and the Rockefeller Foundation finds that 88 percent of Americans say Social Security is more impor- tant than ever as a result of the economic crisis, and three-quarters of Americans say it is critical to preserve Social Security, even if it means paying higher taxes to do Nearly nine in 10 Americans say Social Security benefits are “more importantthan ever.” adequacy. Sixty-five percent of Americans want to see an increase in Social Security as a result of lost savings, and 78 percent of Ameri- cans are concerned about having enough moneyfor retirement. With about 31 million Americans expected to retire in the next decade—many with weakened retirement savings due to the economic downturn—adequacy and so. Americans are willing to pay for Social Security because they solvency of Social Security is an urgent issue. And Americans want cent), their families (75 percent), and for the security and stability gress to act within the next two value it for themselves (72 per- it provides to others in need (87 percent). The poll of 1,488 Americans, conducted in July 2009 by the Benenson Strategy Group, sends a strong message about the value that Americans place on action. Ninety percent want Con- years to preserve Social Security. To learn more, visit www.nasi. org or call (202) 452-8097. Why AmericansAre Willing To Pay For Social Security Social Security benefits—with over 75 percent of Americans saying that Social Security is or will For Themselves retirement, and nearly half of recipients stating that they would For Their Families be an important part of their be unable to afford food, clothing or housing withoutit. And the concern is not just with solvency of Social Security, but For Others In Need 72% 75% 87% @
