Americans are more concerned about Social Security than they’ve been in over a decade, according to a new Gallup survey that highlights growing public anxiety over the U.S. economy and healthcare.
More than half of Americans (52%) now say they worry “a great deal” about the Social Security system, marking the highest level of concern in 15 years. The surge in Social Security-related worry comes amid broader fears about inflation, healthcare costs, and federal spending.
Economic Anxiety Dominates Public Concern
The Gallup poll, conducted from March 3–16, 2025, found that economic issues continue to top the list of national worries. These include:
- The economy: 60% worry a great deal
- Healthcare costs: 59%
- Inflation: 56%
- Federal budget deficit: 53%
- Social Security system: 52%
Other major concerns include hunger and homelessness (50%) and income inequality (48%).
Social Security Sees Significant Spike in Concern
Concern about the future of Social Security rose sharply from 2024, part of a larger trend in which worry about key public programs and the environment increased. The 52% figure reflects a jump of nearly 9 percentage points year over year, making Social Security one of the fastest-growing areas of public concern.
This shift comes as Congress faces growing pressure to address long-term funding issues tied to the Social Security Trust Fund, which experts warn could face shortfalls within the next decade without legislative action.
Partisan Divide Reflects Shift in White House
Gallup also found that political affiliation strongly influences the degree of concern Americans have on most issues:
- Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents expressed increased worry across nearly all major issues, including Social Security, healthcare, and the environment.
- Republicans and Republican leaners showed declining concern in most categories, particularly inflation, energy affordability, and the economy.
The shift aligns with the recent change in presidential administrations, with President Donald Trump returning to office in early 2025. Historically, public worry tends to increase when a voter’s opposing party controls the White House.
Where Social Security Stands Among National Issues
| Issue | % “Worry a Great Deal” |
|---|---|
| The Economy | 60% |
| Healthcare Availability | 59% |
| Inflation | 56% |
| Federal Budget Deficit | 53% |
| Social Security System | 52% |
| Hunger & Homelessness | 50% |
| Income/Wealth Distribution | 48% |
| Federal Government Size/Power | 48% |
The rise in concern about Social Security places it firmly among the top-tier public priorities heading into the 2025 legislative cycle.
Bottom Line
Social Security has returned to the forefront of American concern, reflecting unease over the long-term health of one of the nation’s most critical entitlement programs. As economic pressures mount and demographic shifts challenge funding models, expect renewed debate in Washington over how to preserve benefits for future generations.
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