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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided financial protection for Americans for nearly 90 years. Established in 1935 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, it has grown into one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in U.S. history. Chances are you or someone you know receives Social Security benefits – in fact, about 70.6 million people received benefits from SSA programs in 2022, according to Fast Facts & Figures About Social Security, 2023.
History and Mission of the SSA
The SSA was created by the Social Security Act of 1935 and originally called the Social Security Board, according to Social Security Administration’s Wikipedia page. It was formed during the Great Depression to help elderly Americans by providing a basic income in retirement. Over time, Social Security expanded – survivors’ benefits were added in 1939 and disability insurance in 1956, reflecting a broader mission to protect workers and their families. The agency was initially part of other federal departments but returned to independent agency status in 1995 to improve its focus and accountability, as noted in the Social Security History: Organizational History. Today, the mission of SSA is to deliver services that meet the changing needs of the public, according to Social Security Administration on Grants.gov. In practical terms, that means helping maintain the well-being of millions by administering vital social insurance programs, with a commitment to efficiency, equity, and customer service.
Key functions of the SSA include maintaining the Social Security number (SSN) system and administering benefit programs. Assigning SSNs is foundational – SSA issues these numbers to virtually all Americans, which employers use to report earnings. SSA keeps lifelong earnings records for each SSN, which determine eligibility and benefit amounts for Social Security programs. The SSA’s other primary role is to manage social insurance programs: it runs the Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs, and also administers the Supplemental Security Income program, as described by USA.gov. In carrying out this mission, SSA operates a nationwide network of over 1,400 offices (including field offices, call centers, and processing centers) and employs roughly 60,000 workers. These staff handle everything from taking applications and answering public inquiries to issuing payments. SSA’s programs are largely funded by payroll taxes paid by workers and employers into trust funds, on a pay-as-you-go basis. In 2022, the Social Security Trust Funds collected about $1.22 trillion in revenue and paid out about $1.24 trillion in benefits and expenses – a scale that underscores the massive impact of the agency’s work.
Social Security Programs and Benefits
SSA administers several major programs that provide financial benefits to qualified individuals: Social Security Retirement Benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program serves a different group, but all aim to ensure basic income security for those who need it. Below, we break down each of these key programs.
Social Security Retirement (and Survivors) Benefits
Social Security retirement benefits provide a lifelong pension to workers who have paid into the system once they reach retirement age. If you work and pay Social Security taxes (through payroll withholding), you earn “credits” toward future benefits. Most people need about 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for retirement benefits. Full retirement age is around 66–67 for people retiring today (it varies based on birth year), but you can choose to start benefits as early as age 62 (at a reduced monthly amount) or delay up to age 70 (for a higher benefit). The amount you receive is based on your highest 35 years of earnings: higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits, up to certain limits.
In addition to retiree pensions, the Social Security program also pays survivors benefits to family members of a deceased worker and benefits to some dependents. For example, a worker’s spouse or minor children can receive benefits if the worker passes away, and spouses may receive benefits based on the worker’s record. These survivors and family benefits are an integral part of Social Security’s protection. (As of 2022, about 15% of Social Security beneficiaries were survivors or the dependents of retired or disabled workers.) In essence, Social Security acts as a family insurance plan: it not only supports the individual worker in retirement, but also their loved ones in the event of the worker’s death.
How much are the benefits? Social Security is designed to replace a portion of a worker’s prior earnings. As of late 2022, the average monthly benefit for a retired worker was about $1,825. The average for elderly couples (for example, a retired worker and spouse) is higher, and some individuals with higher earnings records receive more, but even the maximum benefit (for those who earned the maximum taxable wage for 35+ years) is on the order of a few thousand dollars per month. These benefits are modest, but crucial for retirees’ income. Importantly, Social Security benefits are adjusted each year for inflation through Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs). In most years this COLA is a small percentage increase, but in 2023 benefits rose by 8.7% – the largest increase in 40 years – due to high inflation at that time, according to CNBC. This automatic inflation protection helps beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power over time.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to workers who become severely disabled before reaching retirement age. In simple terms, SSDI is a form of insurance that you pay into while you work (through payroll taxes) and that can pay out if an illness or injury prevents you from working. According to the SSA’s Disability page, SSDI pays benefits to people who have a medical condition that stops or seriously limits their ability to work. To qualify, an individual must meet two basic criteria: (1) have a disability (or blindness) that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and (2) have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes in the past. In other words, you need a substantial work history for coverage, and your disability must be long-term and severe enough that you cannot perform substantial work.
When a worker qualifies for SSDI, their benefit is calculated similarly to a retirement benefit (based on their earnings record). The amount is roughly what the person would have received as a retirement benefit had they worked until full retirement age. On average, disabled-worker beneficiaries receive about $1,483 per month (as of 2022). If the disabled worker has dependent minor children or a spouse, they may also receive auxiliary benefits. After two years on SSDI, beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare as well, reflecting the link between disability benefits and healthcare needs.
It’s worth noting that the process of obtaining SSDI can be challenging. Applicants must provide medical evidence of their disability, and it often takes several months (or longer, if appeals are needed) for SSA to evaluate and approve a claim. In recent years, SSA has faced backlogs in processing disability claims, leading to wait times that can exceed 6 months for initial decisions in some cases. As of late 2023, over 1 million disability claims were pending in the backlog, according to Allsup. SSA is working to improve this, as we’ll discuss in recent developments. Once approved, however, SSDI provides a crucial lifeline – it replaces part of lost income and helps disabled individuals and their families avoid extreme hardship.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program (though administered by SSA) that provides cash assistance to people with little or no income and limited resources who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike Social Security retirement and SSDI, SSI is means-tested – funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes – and you do not need a work history to qualify. Its purpose is to ensure a minimum level of income for the most vulnerable individuals: seniors with very low income, adults with disabilities who may not have enough work history for SSDI, and children with severe disabilities in low-income households.
Because SSI is needs-based, applicants must have very limited income and assets (for example, in 2023 an individual generally must have countable resources under $2,000). If eligible, the person receives a monthly cash benefit to help pay for basics like food, clothing, and shelter. The federal SSI benefit rate for an individual is around $914 per month in 2023 (slightly higher for couples), but not everyone gets the maximum amount – other income can reduce the payment. In practice, SSI benefits are quite modest: many recipients receive only a few hundred dollars a month. As of early 2025, about 7.4 million people were receiving SSI, and the average monthly payment was about $714, according to the Monthly Statistical Snapshot, January 2025. (For elderly SSI recipients, the average was around $590, since some also get a small Social Security check that reduces their SSI.) These amounts illustrate that SSI is truly a safety-net program aimed at preventing the poorest elderly or disabled individuals from falling into complete destitution.
SSI is distinct from Social Security even though it’s run by the SSA. SSI has different funding (general revenues) and different eligibility rules (financial need). Some individuals receive both SSI and Social Security benefits – for example, a person might get a small Social Security retirement or disability benefit that is below the SSI minimum level, so SSI will supplement it up to that floor. (Roughly 2.5 million people receive both SSI and Social Security.) SSI recipients also typically qualify for Medicaid health coverage and other assistance like food benefits, which together contribute to basic support.
SSA’s Impact and Reach in Numbers
The Social Security Administration’s programs have a profound impact on American society and the economy. Here are some key statistics and facts that highlight the scope of SSA’s reach and its importance:
- Beneficiaries: In total, tens of millions of Americans rely on SSA benefits. About 66 million people receive Social Security (retirement, survivors, or disability) benefits each month, and an additional 7+ million receive SSI. In 2022, roughly 70.6 million people received some type of benefit from SSA-administered programs – that’s more than one in five Americans. These beneficiaries include not only retirees and disabled workers, but also spouses, children, and survivors who depend on Social Security for financial support.
- Anti-poverty effect: Social Security is often cited as the federal government’s most effective anti-poverty program. Without Social Security, poverty rates – especially among the elderly – would be dramatically higher. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Social Security (retirement + disability) benefits kept nearly 23 million Americans out of poverty in 2022. The program alone reduced the U.S. poverty rate from an estimated 18.4% to 11.5% that year. For older adults, the impact is even clearer: Social Security lifts about 16.5 million seniors above the federal poverty line, as noted by the National Council on Aging. Without these benefits, many of those individuals would have income below poverty. Simply put, Social Security has been a financial lifeline for millions, drastically cutting poverty among the elderly and disabled.
- Income security for retirees: For many retired Americans, Social Security is not just a supplement but a major source of income. Nearly 9 out of 10 people age 65+ receive Social Security. And for roughly 4 in 10 seniors, Social Security provides 50% or more of their total income. In fact, about 1 in 8 elderly beneficiaries rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income. This shows how critical the program is to basic economic security – especially for lower-income seniors who may not have pensions or substantial savings. Social Security benefits, while modest on average, often make the difference in affording housing, food, and medical care in old age. The program also narrows economic disparities: for example, women and minority retirees, who on average have fewer other resources, rely heavily on Social Security income in retirement.
- Scope of payments: The SSA’s impact can also be seen in the sheer volume of benefits paid. In a typical year, the agency disburses over $1 trillion in benefits into the U.S. economy. These payments support consumer spending and provide stability, especially in rural areas or communities with large retired populations. Social Security is often described as an earned benefit (workers paid in via taxes) and as social insurance, but it also functions as an economic pillar – for instance, during economic downturns, Social Security payments continue, acting as an automatic stabilizer that bolsters household income and demand.
- Who benefits: Social Security beneficiaries come from all walks of life. About 55% of adult Social Security recipients are women, reflecting the program’s importance to women’s retirement security (women tend to live longer and may have less other retirement income). Millions of children also benefit indirectly – either through survivors benefits if a working parent dies, or as dependents of disabled or retired beneficiaries. SSI, meanwhile, supports not only elderly poor individuals but also roughly 1 million children under 18 who have serious disabilities and live in low-income families. In this way, SSA’s programs touch multiple generations and family types, reducing hardship across age groups.
Accessing SSA Services
The SSA offers multiple ways for individuals to get information or apply for benefits. Whether you’re filing a claim, replacing a lost Social Security card, or just have questions, SSA’s services are readily accessible:
- Online (SSA.gov and “my Social Security” Account): The fastest and most convenient way to access SSA services is often through their official website. On SSA.gov you can apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits online, often in under 15 minutes. You can also request a replacement Social Security card in most states, check the status of an application, appeal a decision, or estimate your future benefits using the online calculators. A highly useful feature is the “my Social Security” online account – a personal portal where you can view your earnings record and Social Security Statement, get an estimate of your future retirement benefits, and, if you are receiving benefits, manage your direct deposit and obtain benefit verification letters. Millions of people have created my Social Security accounts. The agency has invested in making its online services secure and user-friendly; you can access them anytime without needing to visit an office. (Note: To create an account, you will need to verify your identity – SSA is now using Login.gov for verification – and you must be 18 or older).
- By Phone: If you prefer to speak with someone or don’t have internet access, you can call the Social Security toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. This number connects you to SSA’s national teleservice center. Through the phone system, you can get many services done: for example, you can file an application for benefits over the phone, schedule an appointment at a local office, request a new Medicare card, or ask questions about your Social Security record. Automated phone services are available 24/7 (to request forms, get payment information, etc.), and live representatives are available on business days (typically from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm). It’s worth noting that wait times can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the morning or later in the week might reduce your hold time. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, SSA provides a TTY number (1-800-325-0778) for assistance. Additionally, many routine tasks can be handled through an automated menu if you don’t need to speak to an agent.
- In Person (Local Offices): SSA maintains a nationwide network of field offices where you can get face-to-face assistance. There are over 1,200 Social Security field offices across the country, plus a few dozen specialized card centers in major cities that handle Social Security number requests. To find the office serving your area, you can use the office locator on SSA’s website or call the toll-free number for the address. When visiting an office, it’s highly recommended to schedule an appointment in advance, if possible, to avoid long waits. (Walk-ins are accepted, but those with appointments generally have priority.) At a field office, you can apply for benefits, get help with an issue on your account, resolve problems (like an incorrect earnings record), or submit documents in person. SSA staff can also provide free interpreter services if you need assistance in a language other than English – just request it when you arrive or when scheduling the appointment. Office hours are typically weekdays during business hours. Following the pandemic closures, offices now are open for in-person visits, and safety measures (like masking or distancing) may be in place as needed. If you’re not sure whether you need to go in person, you can often handle business by phone or online; but for certain situations (for example, proving identity for an original SSN, or complex cases), an in-person visit may be necessary or simply easier for you.
- Other Resources: SSA provides a wealth of publications and FAQs on its website that can guide you through common questions. Topics range from understanding your Social Security Statement to how working affects your benefits. There are also online tools, like the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST), which can tell you which programs you might be eligible for. If you need personalized help but cannot reach SSA directly, you might consider contacting your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Medicare-related questions or local advocacy organizations for disability claims – but for most Social Security matters, the SSA is the authoritative source. Remember, all services from SSA are free; you should be cautious of any private business that offers to “help” with Social Security for a fee. Lastly, SSA’s Office of the Inspector General operates a fraud hotline if you suspect Social Security fraud or identity theft involving Social Security numbers.
Conclusion
The Social Security Administration plays a pivotal role in the lives of millions of Americans – from a young family receiving survivors benefits after a breadwinner’s death, to a worker disabled by illness, to a retired couple relying on their monthly checks. SSA’s mission of “helping you secure today and tomorrow” encapsulates its dual focus: providing reliable benefits now, and ensuring the system will be there for future generations. Over nearly nine decades, Social Security has become woven into the fabric of American life, greatly reducing poverty among the elderly and disabled and offering peace of mind that a basic income will be available when life’s challenges arise.
As we’ve discussed, SSA administers different programs (retirement, disability, SSI) that serve distinct needs but together form a comprehensive safety net. The agency continues to modernize its services – embracing online tools and improving its customer service – to meet the public’s needs in a changing world. Yet challenges remain, including operational backlogs and the long-term funding debate. How those challenges are met will shape the SSA’s ability to fulfill its promises in the decades ahead.
For individuals, the key takeaway is that Social Security is an earned benefit and a right – if you’ve worked and contributed, you can draw on this support. And even for those who could not work due to disability or other circumstances, programs like SSI ensure a minimum level of dignity. Knowing about these benefits, and how to access them, is important for everyone.