The program's future remains uncertain, with the trust fund that pays retired individuals or survivor benefits expected to zero out within the next decade.
Gary Adkins, the volunteer state president of with AARP Kentucky, said the program’s economic and social benefits can’t be understated.
"It's supported folks with disabilities, and it's provided income that's vital to families after the loss of a loved one," said Adkins. "It's a promise that's been earned through a lifetime of hard work."
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear recently recognized the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act by signing a proclamation recognizing August 14 as Social Security Day in the Commonwealth.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, it prevented more than 16 million people age 65 and older from living below the poverty line in 2023.
A new AARP survey finds 89% of Americans believe Social Security is vital to the financial stability and independence of older Americans.
Bill Sweeney, the group’s senior vice president of government affairs, says the survey results also highlight growing misinformation about the program.
"More than more than a third of respondents said they believe that when the Social Security Trust Fund is depleted in 2034, Social Security will be unable to pay any benefits at all," said Sweeney. "And 42% of people age 18 to 49 believe that."
Earlier this year the Social Security Administration announced plans to slash its workforce by 7,000, down to 50,000 employees nationwide.