Description: Social Security Works is a U.S.-based progressive advocacy organization founded to protect and expand Social Security and related social insurance programs. The group engages in public education, policy research, grassroots organizing, and media advocacy to defend retirement and disability benefits, protect Medicare and Medicaid, push for lower prescription drug prices, and promote broader economic justice. Type: 501(c)(4) social welfare advocacy organization with an affiliated 501(c)(3) research/education arm (Social Security Works Education Fund) and an associated political action committee (Social Security Works PAC). Policies: Typically pursues legislative policies that defend and expand Social Security (opposing cuts or privatization and advocating solvency measures and benefit increases), protect and expand Medicare and Medicaid, lower prescription drug prices, strengthen retirement security, and advance progressive economic and social-insurance reforms through grassroots mobilization and policy campaigns. Funding: Primarily funded by public donations and grants from foundations and philanthropic partners; public disclosures list support from foundations and progressive funders (including early support from Atlantic Philanthropies and ongoing grants from organizations such as Open Society–affiliated donors, Retirement Research Foundation, CREDO, and similar groups). Affiliates: Social Security Works Education Fund (501(c)(3)), Social Security Works PAC, the Strengthen Social Security coalition of state and national partners, and senior leaders/prominent figures associated with the organization including co-founders Nancy Altman and Eric R. Kingson and PAC president Jon 'Bowzer' Bauman.
