This week marks a major milestone in American history: Social Security turns 90 years old. Signed into law on August 14, 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the program has been a financial lifeline for generations of Americans and today, nearly half a million Utahns depend on it.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 447,000 Utah residents receive Social Security benefits, whether as retirees, people with disabilities, or as surviving family members of deceased workers. The impact is immense, both for individual households and for the state’s economy.
A Program Built to Last — and It Has
When Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, the United States was in the depths of the Great Depression. The program was designed to provide a safety net for older Americans, workers who could no longer earn a living, and families who lost a breadwinner.
In Utah today, Social Security injects over $8.6 billion annually into the economy, according to AARP Utah. That’s money used to pay for groceries, utilities, housing, and medical expenses and it circulates through local businesses and communities.
The program’s reliability has been one of its strongest selling points. In 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment, even through wars, recessions, and political gridlock.
Who Benefits in Utah?
Social Security in Utah covers a broad spectrum of the population:
- Retired workers – The average monthly benefit is about $1,901.
- Disabled workers – The average monthly benefit is about $1,474.
- Spouses and survivors – Benefits help widows, widowers, and dependent children maintain some financial stability.
While the state’s population has grown and diversified, the need for Social Security remains strong. In fact, nearly 500,000 Utahns about 14% of the state’s population receive some form of benefit.
Economic Engine and Community Support
Social Security isn’t just a personal safety net; it’s also an economic driver. The billions in benefits help keep rural economies afloat, sustain small businesses, and support healthcare providers.
For many older Utahns, Social Security is the primary or only source of income in retirement. Without it, poverty among seniors would spike dramatically. According to the SSA, Social Security lifts over 16 million older Americans out of poverty nationwide every year.
Trouble on the Horizon
Despite its resilience, Social Security is facing serious financial challenges. The 2024 Social Security Trustees Report projects that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund could be depleted by 2033.
If that happens without Congressional action, incoming payroll taxes would cover only about 77% of promised benefits, meaning beneficiaries could face across-the-board cuts of about 23%.
In Utah, such a cut could cost a typical retiree more than $17,800 per year, according to Deseret News.
Why Is the Trust Fund Running Out?
Social Security is funded primarily through payroll taxes workers and employers each contribute 6.2% of wages (up to a wage cap of $168,600 in 2025). Those contributions are immediately used to pay current beneficiaries, with any surplus going into the trust funds.
But several factors are straining the system:
- An aging population – Baby boomers are retiring in large numbers.
- Longer life expectancy – People are living longer, collecting benefits for more years.
- Lower birth rates – Fewer workers are contributing to the system per retiree.
Possible Solutions
Congress has several options to restore Social Security’s long-term solvency, including:
- Raising or eliminating the wage cap so high earners contribute on more of their income.
- Gradually increasing the retirement age to reflect longer lifespans.
- Adjusting benefits for higher-income retirees while protecting lower-income ones.
- Increasing payroll tax rates slightly for workers and employers.
Public opinion polls consistently show that Americans across political lines want Social Security preserved and strengthened, not cut. However, lawmakers disagree on the best path forward.
What Utahns Can Do
While Congress ultimately controls the fate of Social Security, Utahns can take steps to stay informed and prepared:
- Review your earnings record and projected benefits at the official SSA “my Social Security” portal.
- Engage with advocacy groups like AARP Utah to stay updated on legislative developments.
- Plan for supplemental retirement savings to reduce reliance on Social Security alone.
For those nearing retirement, understanding when to claim benefits is crucial. Claiming early (as soon as age 62) reduces monthly benefits permanently, while delaying until age 70 increases them.
final thought
As Social Security celebrates its 90th birthday, it remains one of America’s most popular and effective programs. For nearly 500,000 Utahns, it is not an abstract policy it’s a monthly lifeline.
The program’s future will depend on political will and the nation’s ability to adapt to demographic realities. Without action, the next decade could bring difficult changes. But with smart policy choices, Social Security can continue serving Utahns for generations to come.
Nand Kishor is a content writer covering business, economy, and world affairs. With a background in journalism, he focuses on clear, ethical, and insightful reporting. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, cricket, and writing short stories.