Voters Strongly Oppose Raising the Retirement Age
By Sabrina Jacobs
As the exhaustion of Social Security funds looms, some GOP politicians are looking to follow in the footsteps of France — which just raised its retirement age from 62 to 64 — and raise our own retirement age above 67. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, for instance, recently called for raising the retirement age for those in their 20s, a plan supported by Republicans like Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. They argue that as life expectancy rises, Americans will likely be retiring later in life.
However, a Data for Progress survey finds that only 8 percent of voters — including just 5 percent of Democrats, 9 percent of Independents, and 9 percent of Republicans — believe the retirement age should be raised above 67. Forty-five percent of voters believe the retirement age should instead be lowered below 67, while 43 percent of voters believe the retirement age should stay the same.
Some politicians have suggested that if the retirement age is raised for Americans currently in their 20s, then we could ensure that Social Security remains financially solvent without affecting seniors currently receiving benefits. However, opponents of this plan argue that it would be unfair to younger generations. A later retirement age would delay when people receive their Social Security benefits and cut recipients’ overall benefits, drastically affecting those who are not physically able to work until their 70s and making it significantly harder for families to make ends meet. Rather than raise the retirement age, Social Security could be protected by raising taxes on the wealthy.
We find only 27 percent of voters believe that raising the retirement age is necessary to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Social Security. This includes 22 percent of Democrats, 24 percent of Independents, and 32 percent of Republicans. In contrast, 65 percent of voters believe that we should explore other options — including raising taxes on the wealthy — to protect Social Security, as it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect younger people to work into their 70s. This includes 72 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Independents, and 59 percent of Republicans.
Additionally, we find a candidate’s position on raising the retirement age has a notable effect on their ability to gain voter support. Sixty-three percent of voters are less likely to vote for a candidate who raised the retirement age, including 71 percent of Democrats, 61 percent of Independents, and 56 percent of Republicans.
As an alternative to raising the retirement age, some members of Congress have proposed the Social Security Expansion Act in order to extend the solvency of Social Security by 75 years and increase benefits for recipients by $2,400 per year. The extension and extra benefits would be paid for by increasing taxes on the wealthiest of Americans. Seventy-seven percent of Americans support the Social Security Expansion Act, including 85 percent of Democrats, 77 percent of Independents, and 70 percent of Republicans.
Social Security is a crucial program for retirees, many of whom depend on its benefits for groceries, rent, and other necessities. Passing the Social Security Expansion Act will help ensure the future of Social Security and help current recipients keep up with rising costs. Voters clearly understand how necessary it is that we protect Social Security’s future without affecting younger generations by raising the retirement age.
Sabrina Jacobs (@bri_jacobs) is a staff writer at Data for Progress.