Social Security Act

The Social Security Act is a law enacted by the United States Congress in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. This act created the Social Security Administration and introduced the Social Security program, which provides retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits to eligible individuals.

History

The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. The act was part of Roosevelt's New Deal, a series of programs and policies designed to provide relief, recovery, and reform in response to the Great Depression. The Social Security Act was one of the most significant pieces of legislation passed during the New Deal era.

Provisions

The Social Security Act established a number of programs designed to provide aid to various groups. These included:

• The Social Security program, which provides retirement benefits to individuals who have paid into the system through payroll taxes.
• The Unemployment Insurance program, which provides temporary income to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
• The Public Assistance program, which provides aid to the elderly, the blind, and families with dependent children.

Amendments

The Social Security Act has been amended several times since its initial passage. Notable amendments include the Social Security Amendments of 1939, which added survivors' benefits and benefits for the retiree's spouse and children; the Social Security Amendments of 1956, which added disability benefits; and the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which created Medicare and Medicaid.

Impact

The Social Security Act has had a profound impact on the United States. It has provided financial security for millions of retirees and has been a crucial safety net for individuals who are unable to work due to disability or who have lost a family wage earner.

See also

• Social Security (United States)
• New Deal
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Great Depression

External links

• Full text of the Social Security Act

• 
  Signing of the Social Security Act