CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, one of the most influential programs in American history.
New AARP data shows just how much the program continues to matter for Tennessee families.
Across the state, more than 679,000 seniors rely on Social Security as their primary source of income.
For many, it’s the difference between stability and poverty, with the program lifting more than 450,000 Tennesseans out of poverty every year.
Gerre Currie, AARP Tennessee State President, told News 12 that “We’ve done a lot this year. All the support teams across the state. We have Social Security information parties. We did celebrations with balloons in Chattanooga and Memphis. Also across the state we’ve lit bridges just to show our support of Social Security but Social Security is not just a one day event.”
Without it, nearly half of people over 65 in the state would fall below the poverty line.
The impact isn’t just personal; Social Security also pumps an estimated $31.3 billion into Tennessee’s economy annually.
Leaders say the numbers underscore the importance of protecting the program for today’s retirees and for generations to come.
