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Social Security Programs in the United States

(released July 1997)

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Basically, all 10 programs inaugurated under the Social Security Act have a common aim in safeguarding the opportunity of American families to participate in the economic life of their times. This opportunity is furthered by the services to give children a chance for a fair start in life, to prevent sickness and the dependency resulting from sickness, and to help handicapped workers to regain a place in productive activity.

Arthur J. Altmeyer, Social Security Commissioner, 1937–53

Table of ContentsAvailable formats

Preface

A little over 60 years ago, the Social Security Act was signed into law. This historically significant legislation changed how we as a Nation take care of our people. For the first time, there was direct Federal involvement in the welfare of individuals, particularly for alleviating poverty among the aged. Although the original law has been amended many times, it remains the cornerstone of our vast network of social programs.

The primary purpose of this publication is to give you a comprehensive picture of the programs under the Social Security Act and how they operate for the benefit of society as a whole and its individual members—be they workers, parents, children, persons with disabilities, or those who are poor. A picture of our Nation today is very different from the one taken in 1935. This publication provides an informative frame of reference for viewing our Social Security programs—a brief look back and a look at the present.

This edition was prepared by many individuals in the Office of Research, Evaluation and Statistics and other SSA offices. To those individuals, thank you for your work. An expression of appreciation is also extended to those in other agencies who reviewed and checked the accuracy of the materials related to their programs.

Peter M. Wheeler
Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation and Statistics
July 1997

Abbreviations
Abbreviations - HTML. Abbreviations - PDF.
Historical Development
Historical Development - HTML. Historical Development - PDF.
Social Insurance Programs
Social Insurance Programs - HTML. Social Insurance Programs - PDF.
  • Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI)
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Temporary Disability Insurance
Health Insurance and Health Services
MeHealth Insurance and Health Servicesdicare - HTML. Health Insurance and Health Services - PDF.
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
Programs for Specific Groups
Programs for Specific Groups - HTML. Programs for Specific Groups - PDF.
  • Veterans' Benefits
  • Government Employee Retirement Systems
  • Railroad Retirement
Assistance Programs
Assistance Programs - HTML. Assistance Programs - PDF.
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Food and Nutrition Assistance
  • Housing Assistance
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
  • General Assistance
  • Earned Income Tax Credit
Appendix I: Public Social Welfare Expenditures
Appendix I: Public Social Welfare Expenditures - HTML. Appendix I: Public Social Welfare Expenditures - PDF.
Appendix II: Private Social Insurance Expenditures
Appendix II: Private Social Insurance Expenditures - HTML. Appendix II: Private Social Insurance Expenditures - PDF.
Appendix III: Unemployment Insurance Provisions
Appendix III: Unemployment Insurance Provisions - HTML. Appendix III: Unemployment Insurance Provisions - PDF.
Appendix IV: Workers' Compensation Statutes
Appendix IV: Workers' Compensation Statutes - HTML. Appendix IV: Workers' Compensation Statutes - PDF.
Appendix V: Poverty Guidelines
Appendix V: Poverty Guidelines - HTML. Appendix V: Poverty Guidelines - PDF.
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