Let’s celebrate 80 years of Social Security! In the same year Medicare “turns” 50, Social Security is 80. Below is an article contributed by our Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in the Northern Area, Deogracias Santos.
Social Security has provided critical financial help to people of all ages for the last 80 years, and despite our age, weโre far from retiring! As the Social Security program celebrates its historic birthday this August, weโre reflecting on our diverse history, our current strengths, and ways we can continue to improve our services to you.
On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. In doing so, he promised the law would protect โthe average citizen and his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.โ Today, we continue to provide financial security for our countryโs most vulnerable citizens. In fact, Social Security provides world-class service to millions of people every day โ online, on the phone, and in our network of field offices across the country.
As we celebrate 80 years, weโre proud to present our โCelebrating the Past and Building the Futureโ anniversary website. There, you can read 80 interesting facts about an agency that touches everyoneโs life at some point or another! For example, did you know the original name of the Social Security Act was the Economic Security Act?
The anniversary website also includes a timeline of our history. It begins with the signing of the Act in 1935 and ends with this yearโs announcement of Vision 2025, our bold vision that will guide the agency as we work to meet the future customer service needs of the public. A memorable spot on the timeline is November 2, 2000, the date when we started taking retirement claims online.
Since our agencyโs beginning, weโve relied on our passionate and hard-working employees to face challenges and provide exceptional service. Throughout the 80 days leading up to our anniversary, weโve been posting employee testimonials that answer the question, โWhy do you serve?โ We also invited you to share your story with us. You can tell us how Social Security has made a difference in your life and/or the lives of your family and friends. We would love to hear from you, the people we serve every day.
When the Social Security program started 80 years ago, our goal was to provide an economic lifeline for people in need. Today, Social Security continues to protect millions of people. Join us in commemorating this significant milestone! Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/80thanniversary.
