Poll: Americans Fear for Future of Social Security

Given the current state of affairs, it’s not surprising that Americans are worried about the future viability of Social Security. Indeed, 77 percent of likely voters think Social Security is in danger, while only 15 percent view it as financially sound, according to a poll conducted by Pulse Opinion Research for The Hill.

But not so many Americans approve of one step that most experts believe is needed to solidify Social Security — raising the retirement age.

A plurality of 48 percent say that the eligibility age for receiving Social Security benefits shouldn’t be increased for people born after 1960.

Those people are currently scheduled to begin receiving full benefits at age 67. Meanwhile, 40 percent of respondents approve of increasing the retirement age.

Voters also were split, largely along party lines, in regard to permitting people to invest their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts, a hallmark of then-President George W. Bush’s plan to restructure the program.