By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It’s a birthday worth celebrating: Social Security turns 90 this year.
For nearly a century, the program has been more than just a paycheck, it’s been peace of mind for millions of Americans. In the Virgin Islands, where one in five people depend on Social Security, advocates say, that safety net isn’t just important — it’s essential.
Since 1935, Social Security has helped millions of Americans — including families in the Virgin Islands — retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work.
Today, nearly 69 million Americans rely on Social Security. In the Virgin Islands, more than 22,000 people receive benefits, injecting over $400 million into the local economy each year.
“In the United States Virgin Islands, Social Security is extremely important. More than 20% of our population relies on Social Security benefits,” said Troy De Chabert-Schuster, AARP state director for the USVI.
To celebrate Social Security’s 90th anniversary, AARP hosted events on St. Thomas and St. John, with plans to hold another in St. Croix later this year.
Leaders say the milestone is a reminder not just of the program’s success — but of the need to keep it strong for future generations.
“In a place where we have a poverty line that’s over 30%, it is crucial to our economy, as well as to the well-being of our citizens,” said USVI Governor Albert Bryan (D).
“So many people rely on Social Security 100%. So it’s not just a supplement to their income, but it is their primary, in many cases only, source of income,” De Chabert-Schuster said. “They rely on it for food, for medications, to pay the utilities.”
But there are concerns. If Congress doesn’t act by 2034, Social Security could face cuts of up to 20%. Advocates say that would be devastating — especially for the Virgin Islands.
“We don’t want to see anybody receive less Social Security benefits. AARP is calling on Congress to act before 2034 so that millions of Americans will continue to receive all of their Social Security benefits into the future,” De Chabert-Schuster said.
From seniors to those living with disabilities, Social Security continues to provide security and hope. This year, Virgin Islanders are not only celebrating its legacy, but also calling on leaders to protect it for the future.
