Archive for month: February, 2019

According to ssa.gov, Social Security was created in 1935 by President Roosevelt as a federal program. Before the enactment of social security, each state and local government was responsible for the welfare of the elderly. In the 1920s and 1930s, the economy had shifted due to industrialization and war; many people were unemployed and poverty-stricken. The Great Depression era was hard for nearly everyone, but the people who were hit the hardest were the elderly and disabled due to inability to work. The Social Security Board was created to help enroll the elderly into the program to receive payments. The Social Security entity did not only extend eligibility to the elderly but to the unemployed, blind or disabled, and children.

Applying for social security benefits is done online at ssa.gov or in person at a local Social Security office. Applications included are for retirement, Medicare, and social security disability benefits. If unable to apply online, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). The person must be a United States citizen to apply and meet all criteria to receive benefits. The original birth certificate is needed or a certified copy of the original. Proof of citizenship is needed if not born in the United States. Proof of income from the previous year is needed. Documents to prove income include last year’s employment tax return or a copy of W-2 forms.

Retirement or spouse’s retirement has an age requirement of 61 years and 9 months. When an applicant is 65 years old and requests benefits, Medicare is automatically included in the benefits. Medicare is health insurance created for the elderly in 1966 under the Social Security act created by President Roosevelt. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services oversees the healthcare benefits given to Medicaid patients.

In conclusion, Social Security was created to help people in need of assistance in the United States. It was created in response to the Great Depression and enacted under President Roosevelt in 1935. People over 65, those that are disabled may apply online, by visiting socialsecurityofficesnearme.com, or in person at the local office the program for assistance. More information can be found in the links below.

References & Resources:
https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/applying5.html 
https://www.ssa.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
https://postallocationsnearme.com/