Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2004
The original print and web versions of this report contained an error in the narrative description of the “SSI Beneficiaries, 1974–2003” charts in the Children and Social Security section. The number of blind and disabled children receiving SSI payments in 1996 was incorrect. The correct number (955,000) now appears in the web versions of this report.
Preface
Fast Facts & Figures answers the most frequently asked questions about the programs SSA administers. It highlights basic program data for the Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability) and Supplemental Security Income programs. Most of the data come from the Annual Statistical Supplement to the Social Security Bulletin, which contains more than 250 detailed tables. The information on the income of the aged is from the data series Income of the Population 55 or Older.
The tables and charts illustrate the range of program beneficiaries, from the country's oldest to its youngest citizens. In all, more than 50 million people receive some type of benefit or assistance.
Rona Blumenthal prepared this chartbook. Emil Loomis designed the chartbook and prepared the print version for publication. Anthony Nathe edited the text and graphics, and Laurie Brown prepared the Web versions.
Edward J. DeMarco
Associate Commissioner for Research, Evaluation, and Statistics
August 2004
