Building an Economy that Works for Everyone

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. Low- and middle-income families face stagnant wages, increasing costs for life’s essentials, and other structural barriers to wealth-building. EOI advocates for the protection and expansion of Social Security at the national level via Social Security Works, and locally via Social Security Works – Washington. We are also engaged with local allies and stakeholders to design and implement a state-based retirement security program that will help ensure a secure retirement for all Washington residents, and provide a replicable policy template in other states.

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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Blog Feed

Retirement Security

February 27, 2024

Which Washington Member of Congress is Going After Social Security?

A new proposal has Social Security and Medicare in the crosshairs. Here’s what you can do.

Retirement Security

February 27, 2024

Hey Congress: “Scrap the Cap” to Strengthen Social Security for Future Generations

It's time for everyone to pay the same Social Security tax rate – on all of their income

Retirement Security

January 22, 2024

“Washington Saves” legislation won’t solve our retirement security crisis. Lawmakers should pass it anyway.

The details of this auto IRA policy matter.

Research Feed

Retirement Security
Social Security Works for Washington State

Five facts and six fixes for "America's pension" in 2020

Retirement Security
The Case for State Supplemental Social Security

After a lifetime of hard work, aging shouldn’t beget economic hardship

Retirement Security
Delivering on the Promise of Social Security: America’s Pension Plan

Social Security dramatically reduces poverty