1.9 million Georgians rely on Social Security program as it turns 90

Social Security is primarily funded through payroll taxes. (Jenny Kane/ Associated Press)

People in Georgia and across the country depend on Social Security support to pay for expenses such as housing, utilities and groceries. In fact, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration, more than one in five U.S. residents — that’s roughly 69 million Americans — receive Social Security support. It’s also estimated that Social Security lifts more than 500,000 Georgians out of poverty every year.

This month, as the nation marks 90 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, 1.9 million Georgians will receive a Social Security payment. However, some say the future of the Social Security program is uncertain.

On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott spoke with Alice Bennett, the advocacy manager for AARP Georgia. During the discussion, Bennett addressed myths about the Social Security program, explained how the program is funded and talked about the importance of keeping the program protected.