Social Secuirty Programs

Essay by NLS1984University, Master'sA, July 2014

download word file, 7 pages 0.0

Running Head: SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS 1

SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS 2

Social Security Programs

Social Security Programs

The Social Security Act is a social program that awards benefits to the majority of U.S. citizens under varying circumstances. Social Security has been around in the United States for 79 years and has seen many changes over that period of time through amendments and enhancements (Martocchio, 2011). It is currently unknown as to how much longer Social Security will be available to those who are eligible to receive their benefits as time continues to pass. Changes in the way the program operates as well as the way in which funding is handled have to be made soon, or the program will no longer exist. In this paper, the author will examine the current state of Social Security from the time of its enactment in 1935 to present. Additionally, the author will look at the viability of the Social Security program over the next few decades, as well as options to improve that viability and keep Social Security operational.

Concept of Social Security

The Social Security Act was enacted in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under his New Deal programs in an attempt to repair American after the Great Depression (FDR signs Social Security Act, 2014). President Roosevelt acknowledged that it was impossible for 100% of Americans to be helped under his new act 100% of the time, but it was his ultimate intent to prevent senior citizens from living in poverty (FDR signs Social Security Act, 2014). The Social Security Act deals with more than saving impoverished senior citizens. There are three programs that were created under the act in the attempt to combat social problems facing American citizens. Those three programs deal with unemployment insurance, Old Age, Survivor, and...