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Most Social Security beneficiaries rely on Social Security as their main—or only—source of retirement income. Under the current program structure, however, people who must claim their Social

Security benefits early due to ill health, an inability to perform physically demanding jobs, or other issues, receive substantially reduced monthly benefits for the rest of their lives.  

To address this, the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), in collaboration with AARP, hosted a_ __Social Security Policy Innovations Challenge_ to identify much-needed solutions for

these older workers who cannot delay claiming benefits. Applicants were invited to submit policy ideas that are innovative and feasible, and have the potential to improve economic security

for older workers with limited employment opportunities. The authors of the winning proposals received $20,000 total for each of the four winning ideas.    “We believe that good ideas that

have undergone rigorous factual analysis can drive better policy making,” said AARP Chief Public Policy Officer Debra Whitman. “This Challenge serves as an opportunity to foster the kinds of

innovative ideas that will challenge outdated beliefs and make this vital program stronger for future generations.”   This Innovation Challenge builds on the work of the 2017 Innovation

Challenge launched by AARP, which also sought ideas to strengthen Social Security.