History of Social Security Administration in Timeline
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for administering Social Security. This social insurance program includes retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Most workers qualify for these benefits by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings, with benefits calculated based on the wage earner's contributions. Some benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are distributed based on financial need.
1923: American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923
In 1923, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923, which represents SSA's headquarters non-supervisory employees, was established.
August 14, 1935: Creation of Social Security Board
On August 14, 1935, the Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, creating the Social Security Board to oversee the program. The board started with no budget, staff, or furniture and obtained a temporary budget from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.
1935: Establishment of Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration was established in 1935 by the Social Security Act and is codified in 42 U.S.C. § 901. Initially created as the 'Social Security Board', it marked the inception of the agency tasked with administering Social Security programs.
October 14, 1936: First Social Security Office Opened
The first Social Security office opened in Austin, Texas, on October 14, 1936, marking the beginning of the agency's direct interaction with the public.
1936: SSA Headquarters Located in Baltimore
In 1936, SSA was located in Baltimore due to the need for a large building to store records, selecting the Candler Building as a temporary location. This decision marked the beginning of SSA's long-term presence outside Washington, D.C.
January 1937: First Collection of Social Security Taxes
In January 1937, Social Security taxes were first collected, along with the first one-time, lump-sum payments, initiating the financial mechanism of the Social Security program.
1939: SSB Merged into Federal Security Agency
In 1939, the Social Security Board merged into the newly formed cabinet-level Federal Security Agency, which also included the U.S. Public Health Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps, among others.
January 1940: First Regular Monthly Benefits
In January 1940, the first regular ongoing monthly Social Security benefits began, providing consistent financial support to beneficiaries.
January 31, 1940: First Monthly Retirement Benefit
On January 31, 1940, the first monthly retirement benefit was issued to Ida May Fuller of Brattleboro, Vermont, in the amount of $22.54, establishing the ongoing monthly benefit system.
1942: Establishment of Area Offices
In 1942, SSA established its first Area Offices, which later became known as payment centers. The first one was set up in Philadelphia, followed by others in major cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans.
1946: Renaming to Social Security Administration
In 1946, the 'Social Security Board' was officially renamed to the 'Social Security Administration', marking a significant reorganization and rebranding of the agency.
1946: Renaming to Social Security Administration
In 1946, the Social Security Board was renamed the Social Security Administration under President Harry S. Truman's Reorganization Plan, marking a significant reorganization and rebranding of the agency.
1953: SSA Placed Under Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
In 1953, the Federal Security Agency was abolished, and SSA was placed under the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, which later became the Department of Health and Human Services in 1980.
1960: Relocation to Woodlawn Headquarters
In 1960, SSA relocated from the Candler Building to its newly built permanent headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland, solidifying its establishment in the area.
1960: Supreme Court Decision in Flemming v. Nestor
In 1960, the Supreme Court ruled in Flemming v. Nestor that Social Security is not a system of 'accrued property rights' and those who pay into it have no contractual right to receive what they have paid.
1972: Establishment of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program
The Social Security Act Amendments of 1972 led to the creation of the SSI program, replacing the previous state-run programs for low-income aged, blind, or disabled individuals.
1972: Introduction of Cost of Living Adjustments
In 1972, Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) were introduced into SSA programs to address the effects of inflation on fixed incomes, improving financial stability for beneficiaries.
1974: Implementation of the SSI Program by SSA
The Social Security Administration (SSA) assumed responsibility for administering the SSI program, commencing operations in 1974.
1975: Relocation of San Francisco Payment Center
Around 1975, SSA, along with the General Services Administration, moved the payment center operations from San Francisco to Richmond, despite opposition from local Congressman Phillip Burton. The move was part of a redevelopment effort in Richmond.
1980: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare Renamed
In 1980, the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare was renamed the Department of Health and Human Services, continuing to oversee SSA.
1984: Federal Employees Hired Before 1984 Not Covered
Federal employees hired before 1984, along with certain other groups, are not covered by Social Security. This policy affects a significant portion of state and local government workers who participate in public retirement systems.
1986: Social Security Coverage for State and Local Government Employees
Starting in 1986, state and local government employees hired after this date, or those covered under Section 218 Agreements, were mandated to participate in Medicare, even if they were not eligible for Social Security benefits.
1988: Opening of Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building
In 1988, the new 11-story Joseph P. Addabbo Federal Building in Jamaica, Queens, opened. The move was part of a revitalization plan and involved relocating over 2,000 federal workers, despite significant political conflict.
1994: SSA Regained Independent Agency Status
In 1994, Congress amended non-positive law 42 U.S.C. § 901, returning SSA to the status of an independent agency within the executive branch of government.
2007: Renaming of the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA)
The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) was renamed to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) in 2007 to better reflect its primary function of handling disability cases, which constitute approximately 75% of its workload.
2010: Social Security Benefits Disbursement and Funding
In 2010, the Social Security Administration distributed approximately $712 billion in benefits to over 54 million Americans. These benefits, encompassing retirement, survivors, and disability insurance, are primarily financed by taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals.
2018: SSA Employment Statistics
As of 2018, the Social Security Administration employed about 60,000 people. Headquarters non-supervisory employees were represented by the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923.
2019: Field Offices Served 43 Million Individuals
In 2019, SSA's 1,200 field offices served 43 million individuals, providing crucial services such as benefit applications and Social Security card replacements.
2019: SSI Beneficiaries and Eligibility
In 2019, the SSI program provided benefits to 8 million individuals, including disabled children, adults, and those aged 65 or older. Eligibility for SSI is contingent upon limited income, resources, and residency requirements.
2019: Field Offices Served 43 Million Individuals
In fiscal year 2019, SSA's 1,200 field offices served 43 million individuals, providing crucial services such as benefit applications and Social Security card replacements.
April 7, 2022: Reopening of SSA Field Offices
SSA field offices, which were closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened on April 7, 2022, resuming in-person services for millions of individuals.
April 2022: Reopening of SSA Field Offices
SSA field offices, which were closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened in April 2022, resuming in-person services for millions of individuals.
2022: Fiscal Year 2022 Benefits
In fiscal year 2022, the SSA expected to pay out $1.2 trillion in Social Security benefits to 66 million individuals and $61 billion in SSI benefits to 7.5 million low-income individuals.