The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for administering social security programs in the United States. It was established in 1935 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal legislation.
The primary mission of the SSA is to provide financial support to eligible individuals and families through various social security programs. These programs include retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Medicare health insurance.
Retirement benefits provided by the SSA are intended to ensure a stable income for individuals who have reached a certain age and have accumulated enough credits through their employment history. Disability benefits, on the other hand, are designed to assist individuals who are unable to work due to a medically-determined physical or mental impairment.
The SSA also provides survivor benefits, which are paid to eligible dependents of deceased workers. These benefits can be crucial for families to maintain their financial stability after the loss of a primary wage earner. Additionally, the SSA is responsible for administering the Medicare program, which provides health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain disabled individuals.
To access these benefits, individuals must have a social security number and meet certain eligibility requirements established by the SSA. The agency also manages the issuance of social security cards and maintains records for individuals participating in the social security system. The United States Social Security Administration plays a vital role in providing financial security and support to millions of Americans.