Hispanics’ Knowledge of Social Security: New Evidence

Hispanics’ Knowledge of Social Security: New Evidence

Janice Peterson, Barbara A. Smith and Qi Guan

Journal paper

Social Security Bulletin

2019

Research has shown that Hispanics are more likely to rely on Social Security benefits in retirement but are less knowledgeable about Social Security than other population groups. In this article, we examine gaps in what Hispanics know about Social Security to identify the kinds of information they most need to ensure their retirement security. Using data from a large Internet survey panel, we identify differences in Social Security knowledge between Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. We extend findings from earlier focus group–based research suggesting that Social Security knowledge differs across Hispanic ancestry and primary-language groups and test the statistical significance of the findings. The results offer insights for further research and guidance for policy that aims to promote retirement security for U.S. Hispanics.