Fast Facts & Figures answers the most frequently asked questions about the programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It highlights basic program data for the Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability) and Supplemental Security Income programs. Most of the data come from the Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin, which contains more than 200 detailed tables. The information on the income of the aged is from the data series Income of the Population 55 or Older. Data on trust fund operations are from the 2017 Trustees Report.

The tables and charts illustrate the range of program beneficiaries, from the country's oldest to its youngest citizens. In all, about 66.0 million people receive some type of benefit or assistance.

Rachel Edmonds prepared this chartbook. Staff of the Office of Information Resources edited the chartbook and prepared it for publication.

John W. R. Phillips
Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics
September 2017