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Retirement Security

All people deserve to retire with dignity, but almost half of all Americans are not covered by a retirement plan at their workplace. To advance retirement security regardless of economic status, EOI works closely with Social Security Works Washington to advocate for the expansion and protection of Social Security.

EOI also helped develop the innovative Retirement Marketplace program, making professionally managed portable retirement plans accessible to workers and small businesses previously without retirement coverage.

EOI has helped other organizations across the nation develop similar retirement plans, and has collaborated with the Economic Policy Institute, Center for Economic Policy and Research, unions, state agencies, and AARP to make these strides possible.

April 22, 2019

2019 Trustees Report shows low costs, strong bottom line for Social Security

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February 7, 2019

The Case for State Supplemental Social Security

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December 4, 2019

Social Security ensures dignity for millions of WA residents — here’s how lawmakers can keep it that way

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FEATURED PROFILE

A Forced Early Retirement, and Not Enough to Live On

When changes in her contract work at Microsoft timed with with her partner’s need for full-time care, Aganita Varkentine left the workforce earlier than she had anticipated. In order to care for her partner,  Aganita had little choice but to begin her Social Security benefits at age 62, even though she knew her benefits would be higher if she waited longer to enroll.

Today, Aganita has lived almost entirely on her Social Security checks for 15 years. Without this income, “I’d be on the street,” she says.

After her medical and dental premiums, Aganita receives a monthly net income of $1,118. This is $64 less than the average benefit of $1,182.24, and only 110.5% of the Federal Poverty Level. This income allows Aganita to pay for her essential needs but it does not provide a comfortable living. After her day-to-day expenses, medical care, and helping to support her son as he enrolls in SSI Disability Insurance, this small budget is stretched thin.

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Research Feed

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The Washington Small Business Retirement Marketplace
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Retirement Security
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Keeping Social Security Strong

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Blog Feed

Retirement Security

April 22, 2019

2019 Trustees Report shows low costs, strong bottom line for Social Security

And for the first time in years, Congress is actively planning improvements

Retirement Security

January 31, 2019

The Social Security 2100 Act holds huge promise for America’s future

Proposed national legislation would expand Social Security benefits across the board

Retirement Security

November 9, 2018

7 Reforms To Strengthen Social Security

America’s Pension Plan Can Be Made Stronger Without Benefit Cuts