A growing number of older Americans are losing faith in the long-term reliability of Social Security benefits, according to a new poll released this week. The survey data points to a significant shift in public confidence—particularly among older people—amid political controversy and economic uncertainty.
Confidence in Social Security drops significantly since 2023
According to a recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, nearly 30% of Americans aged 60 and older now say they are not confident that Social Security benefits will be available when they need them. That’s a steep rise from just 20% who expressed similar concerns in 2023.
More broadly, 52% of all respondents reported that they are either “not very” or “not at all” confident in the future accessibility of Social Security.
Key findings from the AP-NORC poll:
- 30% of adults aged 60+ express a lack of confidence in Social Security, up from 20% in 2023.
- 52% of all respondents say they are not confident in accessing benefits.
- The poll was conducted from April 17–21, 2025, with 1,260 participants and a margin of error of ±3.9%.
These figures highlight rising anxiety about retirement security as Americans grapple with inflation, market volatility, and political infighting in Washington.
Political tension over SSA leadership fuels concern
The polling results were released just days after the U.S. Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano—a Wall Street executive—to lead the Social Security Administration (SSA). The confirmation passed despite strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers.
Critics, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), argue that Bisignano’s track record signals a shift toward austerity and possible downsizing within the SSA.
“This is putting a fox in the hen house,” Schumer said. “Bisignano is slash and burn. And the Republicans don’t want to say directly that they want to kill Social Security, so they strangle it.”
The backlash stems in part from recent proposals tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which includes:
- A 7,000-position reduction in SSA staff.
- Closure of dozens of Social Security field offices nationwide.
Trump’s economic agenda adds to public unease
The poll also reflects broader dissatisfaction with economic leadership under President Donald Trump’s second term. The same survey revealed that 61% of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the economy.
Economic uncertainty has only intensified as new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration disrupt global trade and strain alliances with countries like Canada and the European Union.
These developments, combined with growing threats to government safety-net programs, are fueling widespread unease among older Americans—many of whom rely on Social Security as a primary source of income.
What happens next?
As the SSA transitions under new leadership, retirees and near-retirees are left waiting for clear answers on the agency’s direction. If staff cuts and office closures move forward, access to critical services could become more limited—particularly for rural and low-income older people.
The next few months will be pivotal for determining whether Congress intervenes to protect or reform the Social Security program in response to these mounting concerns.
Key Takeaways:
- Confidence in Social Security among older Americans has dropped 10 percentage points in just one year.
- Leadership changes and proposed SSA workforce cuts are raising red flags in Washington.
- Public trust in Trump’s economic strategy continues to falter amid ongoing uncertainty.
For more on Social Security developments, see our recent coverage on SSA payment delays and retirement planning tips.
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