PlanGap's 2026 Social Security Confidence Survey Finds 7 in 10 Americans 45+ Lack Confidence Benefits Will Remain Intact
Sixth annual survey finds persistent concern over future benefit cuts, as respondents most often compare a potential 22% monthly Social Security reduction to “losing my job to AI”
PlanGap, the product innovation company pioneering a new class of policy risk insurance solutions, today released the findings of its sixth annual Social Security Confidence Survey. The nationally representative study of 1,082 U.S. adults ages 45 and older found that confidence in the future of Social Security remains low, while concerns about artificial intelligence and job security are beginning to enter the retirement anxiety conversation.
The survey was conducted after the release of the 2026 Social Security Board of Trustees Report, which projected that the trust fund responsible for retirement benefits will be depleted in late 2032. At that point, the program would be able to pay 78% of scheduled retirement benefits, representing a potential 22% shortfall.
According to the survey, 69% of respondents said they are not confident the government will solve Social Security's funding challenge without reducing benefits, while 68% said they are concerned "a great deal" or "a lot" that they may not receive their full benefits as promised.
