AARP Opposes Social Security Cuts for Deficit Reduction
Author: AARP
Published: 2011/07/08 - Updated: 2026/02/04
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: AARP - Related Publications
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information represents an official policy statement from AARP leadership regarding federal budget negotiations during the 2011 debt ceiling crisis. The organization's position holds particular authority given AARP's status as the nation's largest nonprofit representing adults over 50, with influence on legislation affecting millions of Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. For seniors, people with disabilities, and those planning retirement, this statement clarifies why Social Security - which operates through dedicated payroll taxes rather than general revenue - should remain separate from deficit reduction talks. The position matters because two-thirds of older American households rely on Social Security as their primary income source, with one-third depending on it for at least 90 percent of their financial support - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
AARP to the President and Congressional Leaders: Don't Cut Social Security to Reduce the Deficit - Social Security Did Not Contribute to the Deficit and Should Not Be Cut As Part of Any Budget Deal
AARP CEO A. Barry Rand offered the following strong statement as key congressional leaders meet with the President today to discuss a framework for a deal to raise the debt ceiling and to address deficit reduction.
Main Content
AARP is focused on protecting Social Security and Medicare for the millions of beneficiaries who have paid into the systems over their working lives, and reiterates its position that Social Security and Medicare benefits should not be on the table for deficit reduction.
"AARP will not accept any cuts to Social Security as part of a deal to pay the nation's bills," said Rand. "Social Security did not cause the deficit, and it should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. As the President and Congress work to negotiate a deal to raise the debt ceiling, AARP urges all lawmakers to reject any proposals that would cut the benefits seniors have earned through a lifetime of hard work."
"AARP is strongly opposed to any deficit reduction proposal that makes harmful cuts to vital Social Security and Medicare benefits. Social Security is currently the principal source of income for nearly two-thirds of older American households receiving benefits, and roughly one third of those households depend on Social Security benefits for nearly all (90 percent or more) of their income. The deficit debate is not the time or the place to talk about Social Security. AARP will fight any cuts that are proposed to this important program, including proposals to reduce the cost of living adjustment for beneficiaries (COLA) such as the proposed chained CPI which AARP also believes should not be considered as part of the debt ceiling or deficit reduction negotiations."
"AARP also strongly urges the President and congressional leaders to reject any proposals that would impose arbitrary, harmful cuts to the Medicare program or shift additional costs onto Medicare beneficiaries. Half of all beneficiaries live on incomes of less than $22,000, and many already struggle to pay for their ever-rising health and prescription drug costs."
"Some have proposed requiring Medicare beneficiaries to pay even more for their Medicare benefits, either through higher co-payments or higher premiums. AARP strongly urges you to reject higher costs for people in Medicare. Before we shift additional cost burdens onto beneficiaries, Congress should address the real problem of increasing health care costs throughout the entire system."
"Throughout the deficit reduction and debt ceiling debate, AARP will continue its efforts to raise the voices of our members who depend on Social Security and Medicare for their health and economic security," Rand concluded.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While this statement emerged from specific 2011 budget negotiations, the underlying tension between entitlement program funding and deficit reduction remains a recurring theme in American fiscal policy. AARP's insistence on separating Social Security's self-funded structure from general deficit debates reflects a broader principle that continues to shape retirement security discussions today. For the millions who've contributed payroll taxes throughout their careers, understanding which programs actually drive deficit spending - and which operate independently - remains essential to evaluating policy proposals that could affect their financial futures. The organization's stance that beneficiaries shouldn't bear costs for deficits they didn't create continues to resonate in ongoing conversations about the social contract between workers and the programs they fund - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by AARP and published on 2011/07/08, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.