Social Security Prevents Suicide

Many people consider Social Security part of what is known as the “social safety net,” even though it is actually a contributory non-welfare program. Based on a recent study by economist Jeffrey DeSimone of the University of Alabama–Birmingham showing that Social Security prevents suicide, a more appropriate designation might be “lifeline.” Based on this research, Social Security plays an even more crucial role in than many have realized.

DeSimone’s study, “Suicide and the Social Security Early Retirement Age,” found that the suicide rate drops significantly for Americans at age 62, the year Social Security benefits first become available. According to DeSimone, that’s not a coincidence. DeSimone’s study also found that the nearly 8% decline in suicides at age 62 is more likely attributable to the availability of Social Security retirement benefits and not to whether the individual actually fully retires.

He also notes a 2015 study that found that nearly half of 62-year-olds start receiving benefits at that age, but only 12% retire full time. Going further, DeSimone says, “It is also possible that Social Security eligibility could lower suicide by reducing income uncertainty.” He suggests that even those who do not start drawing benefits at 62 know they can begin at any time, and that provides a degree of comfort. (For more, see Why You Should Worry Less About Social Security.)

The suicide-rate decline at age 62 is higher for males than for females. Moreover, the decline rate “has increased considerably, starting in the mid-2000s,” according to DeSimone. As for why the drop is greater among men, DeSimone notes that suicide rates for men are higher than for women to begin with. He also suggests that perhaps Social Security income matters more to men, as their benefit levels tend to be greater, due to higher wages and more years in the workforce. 

Despite President Donald Trump’s promises not to mess with entitlement programs, many Republicans believe cuts to Social Security and Medicare are inevitable. They point to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s comments about the president’s budget as evidence that cuts to entitlements will come in time.  When those cuts happen, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank, believes that they could disproportionately affect Trump’s base: white working-class Americans. It’s not known what impact benefit cuts might have on suicide rates for members of that population.

The stress surrounding the availability of Social Security benefits was dramatically underlined by a lawsuit against the agency brought on by family members of two people who committed suicide after learning that their federal Social Security disability benefits were being suspended. The lawsuit, which involves two people who suffered from depression and mental illness, raises the issue of heightened levels of stress brought on by the potential loss of Social Security benefits and the failure of the Social Security Administration to have given the deceased sufficient time to gather medical records to fight their pending suspensions. (For more, see Types of Social Security Benefits.) 

DeSimone’s study illustrates the need for more research regarding the relationship between stress-related suicide and access to Social Security. Other studies show that stress brought on by financial issues is one of the more common factors in suicide, including among older people. As government policymakers consider entitlement reforms, they should take the results of research conducted by DeSimone and others into account before enacting changes that put more pressure on vulnerable populations, for whom access to these programs is, indeed, a lifeline. For more, see Filing Early for Social Security: When It Makes Sense.