Survey Shows Concerning Knowledge Deficiency about Social Security Retirement Benefits

Posted on

Aug 03, 2016

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The results of a survey aimed to better understand how much Americans know about Social Security retirement benefits, which included a true/false quiz about Social Security facts, were concerning: only 28 percent of those surveyed received a passing grade when asked basic questions about Social Security retirement benefits.

Also troubling is that when asked about their level of knowledge about Social Security retirement benefits, only 8 percent of those surveyed consider themselves to be very knowledgeable. And that perception mirrors reality. Nearly all surveyed hold at least one misperception about Social Security only one survey respondent answered all true/false questions correctly.

Perhaps the greatest Social Security deficit in this country is the lack of education around the retirement benefits of the program, which presents an opportunity and responsibility to financial professionals, said Michael R. Fanning Executive Vice President, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual. With millions of Americans nearing retirement each year, many may be at risk of underutilizing a critical component of their retirement income stream.

The findings also show gaps in knowledge about Social Security eligibility, which may have a negative impact on planning and saving for retirement:

Citizenship is not a requirement1: Three-quarters of survey respondents think that being an American citizen is necessary to receive Social Security retirement benefits, which is incorrect.
Retirement age is a mystery2: More than seven in ten surveyed (71 percent) incorrectly believe that full Social Security retirement age is 65, when the age actually varies depending on birth year.
Continuing to work and age affect benefits3: More than half of those surveyed (55 percent) incorrectly believe that they can continue working while collecting full Social Security retirement benefits regardless of their age.

Americans who lack the proper knowledge and information about Social Security may be putting their retirement planning in jeopardy, said Phil Michalowski, Vice President, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual. In fact, many may be leaving Social Security retirement benefits theyre entitled to on the table, or incorrectly assuming what benefits may be available in retirement.

Methodology

The research was conducted by KRC Research from February 26 to March 2, 2015 via an online survey among 1,513 Americans (1,000 non-Hispanic age 25 to 65; 513 Hispanic age 18+).

Editorial Note: This article was provided by Bradley Waller, a financial representative with MassMutual Financial Group. The article has been modified.

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