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The Social Security Act of 1935 Facts & Worksheets

The Social Security Act of 1935 was a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States during the Great Depression. The act aimed to provide economic security for the elderly, the unemployed, and disadvantaged individuals.

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The Social Security Act of 1935 was a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States during the Great Depression. It was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. The act aimed to provide economic security for the elderly, the unemployed, and disadvantaged individuals.

See the fact file below for more information about the Social Security Act of 1935, or you can download our 26-page Social Security Act of 1935 worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

WHY WAS IT LEGISLATED?

  • During the 1930s, the United States was going through a period of extreme economic hardship known as the Great Depression. Many people were struggling to find work, afford basic needs, and take care of their families. The Social Security Act was introduced to help address these challenges.
  • At that time, there was no system in place to support people who were elderly, unemployed, or unable to work. 
  • Many older individuals had no income after they retired, and families often struggled to provide for their children. The Great Depression made these problems even worse, as the economy was in a severe downturn, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.
  • The Social Security Act aimed to create a safety net for individuals facing these difficulties. It established a system where workers contributed a portion of their earnings to a fund, and in return, they would receive financial support when they retired. This helped ensure that older individuals had a source of income after they stopped working.
  • Additionally, the Act provided aid to families with dependent children and created a system for unemployment insurance, offering temporary financial assistance to those who lost their jobs.
  • Overall, the Social Security Act was created to provide a safety net for people during challenging times, offering support to the elderly, the unemployed, and families in need

KEY PROVISIONS

  • Key provisions of the Social Security Act encompassed various programs that became the foundation of the modern U.S. social welfare system.
  • Old-Age Insurance (Social Security): The primary component of the Act was the establishment of a system of old-age insurance, known today as Social Security.
  • This program provided a safety net for retired workers by creating a federal system that collected payroll taxes from current workers, building a trust fund to provide income for retirees. 
  • This pension system aimed to ensure that individuals had a source of income after they reached retirement age. The amount received upon retirement was based on a person’s earnings history and the number of years they had contributed to the system.
  • Unemployment Insurance: The Act introduced a federal-state system of unemployment insurance. This program aimed to provide temporary financial assistance to workers who lost their jobs.
  • It was a way to support individuals during times of unemployment, offering them some financial stability until they could find new employment. 
  • The unemployment insurance system is funded by employer taxes and provides benefits to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
  • Aid to Dependent Children: Another critical provision of the Social Security Act was aid for dependent children. This program provided financial assistance to families in need, particularly those where a parent was absent, incapacitated, deceased, or unemployed.
  • The aid was intended to help these families support and care for their children, ensuring that they had access to basic necessities.
  • Grants to States for Medical Assistance Programs: The Act also included provisions for grants to states to support medical assistance programs. 
  • While this didn’t establish Medicaid as we know it today, it laid the groundwork for later healthcare assistance initiatives. 
  • These grants aimed to provide funding to states to develop and maintain health services for individuals in need, although the specifics of healthcare provision were more limited compared to the comprehensive Medicaid program that was established later.
  • The Act introduced a collective responsibility, where citizens contributed to a fund to ensure social and economic security for themselves and future generations.

KEY AMENDMENTS

  • Several key amendments and changes have been made to the Social Security Act since its inception in 1935, reflecting evolving social, economic, and demographic needs. Some of the most notable modern amendments to the Social Security Act include:
  • Social Security Amendments of 1939:
    • This was the first major change to the original Social Security Act, broadening the program’s scope. It extended benefits to dependents and survivors of retired workers, introduced benefits for spouses and minor children, and adjusted the retirement age for full benefits.
  • Social Security Amendments of 1950:
    • These amendments increased benefit amounts for retirees and expanded coverage to include self-employed individuals. Additionally, they raised the wage base subject to Social Security taxes.
  • Social Security Amendments of 1965:
    • This was a significant expansion of the Social Security Act, as it led to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare provided health insurance for retirees and certain disabled individuals, while Medicaid offered healthcare assistance to low-income individuals and families.
  • Social Security Amendments of 1972:
    • These amendments resulted in the automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security benefits, ensuring that benefits would keep pace with inflation.
  • Social Security Amendments of 1972:
    • These amendments resulted in the automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security benefits, ensuring that benefits would keep pace with inflation.
  • Social Security Amendments of 1983:
    • These amendments were a response to the financial challenges faced by the Social Security program. They gradually raised the retirement age for full benefits, introduced the taxation of Social Security benefits, and increased the payroll taxes. 
    • The goal was to address the long-term funding challenges of the program.
  • Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993:
    • This act introduced changes to the taxation of Social Security benefits for higher-income recipients. It increased the proportion of Social Security benefits subject to income taxes for those above a certain income threshold.
  • Balanced Budget Act of 1997:
    • This act allowed for more administrative reforms within the Social Security system. It included provisions aimed at improving the program’s efficiency and accountability.
  • Social Security Protection Act of 2004:
    • This act focused on combating identity theft and fraud within the Social Security system. It included measures to protect Social Security numbers and prevent unauthorized access.
  • Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015:
    • This act addressed various issues, including the elimination of two Social Security claiming strategies that allowed some individuals to maximize their benefits. 
    • It also provided changes to the disability insurance program and prevented a projected 20% cut in disability benefits by reallocating funds.
  • These amendments and changes aimed to adapt the Social Security Act to meet the changing needs of society, improve its financial sustainability, expand coverage, and address issues such as healthcare and fraud prevention. 
  • Social Security remains a critical component of the social safety net, and ongoing discussions and considerations continue about its long-term solvency and adaptability to the evolving needs of an aging population.

The Social Security Act of 1935 Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Social Security Act of 1935 across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Social Security Act of 1935. The act aimed to provide economic security for the elderly, the unemployed, and disadvantaged individuals.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Social Security Act 1935 Facts
  2. SSA 1935 in Summary
  3. SSA True or False
  4. The President
  5. The Depression Era
  6. Retirement Benefits
  7. SSA in the Future
  8. Survivor’s Insurance
  9. Unemployment Support
  10. Disability Support
  11. Alternative Help

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Social Security Act of 1935?

The Social Security Act of 1935 is a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that established the Social Security system. It was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935, as part of the New Deal initiatives during the Great Depression.

What was the main purpose of the Social Security Act?

The primary purpose of the Social Security Act was to provide economic security and a safety net for American citizens, especially the elderly and those facing economic hardship. It created a system of social insurance that included retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, disability benefits, and aid to dependent children.

How does the Social Security system work?

The Social Security system is funded through payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. Workers earn “credits” based on their work history and contributions. These credits determine eligibility for various benefits, including retirement benefits, disability benefits, and survivor benefits. The system is designed to provide a financial safety net for individuals and families during times of need.

Who is eligible for Social Security benefits?

Eligibility for Social Security benefits is generally based on a person’s work history and contributions to the Social Security system. Individuals who have earned enough credits through their work are eligible for retirement benefits when they reach the qualifying age (full retirement age varies based on birth year). Disability benefits are available to those who meet specific medical and work-related criteria. Survivor benefits are provided to eligible family members of deceased workers.

How has the Social Security Act evolved since its enactment in 1935?

Since its enactment, the Social Security Act has undergone several amendments and expansions to adapt to changing demographics and economic conditions. Amendments have been made to increase benefits, adjust eligibility criteria, and address emerging social and economic challenges. The program continues to be a critical component of the social safety net in the United States, providing financial support to millions of Americans.

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Use With Any Curriculum

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