FAQs
Q1: When did Social Security start? A: The Social Security Act was signed by FDR on 8/14/35. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that same month. Regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940.
What is the history behind Social Security? ›
The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. In addition to several provisions for general welfare, the new Act created a social insurance program designed to pay retired workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement.
Who was the first president to dip into Social Security? ›
It was 30 years ago when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act of 1935 and made it the law of the land.
Who was the first person to receive a Social Security check? ›
January 31, 1940 Ida M. Fuller became the first person to receive an old-age monthly benefit check under the new Social Security law. She paid in $24.75 between 1937 and 1939 on an income of $2,484. Her first check, dated January 31, was for $22.54.
When did SSN become mandatory at birth? ›
In August 1987, SSA began a three-state pilot of the "Enumeration at Birth" ( EAB ) process in which the parent of a newborn can request an SSN as part of the state's birth registration process. Additional states began to participate in EAB in July 1988.
What do the first 3 digits of SSN mean? ›
The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.
When did the government start taking money from Social Security? ›
A3. The taxation of Social Security began in 1984 following passage of a set of Amendments in 1983, which were signed into law by President Reagan in April 1983. These amendments passed the Congress in 1983 on an overwhelmingly bi-partisan vote.
Can a person who has never worked collect Social Security? ›
But even if you never worked and therefore don't have an earnings record, you're not necessarily out of luck. If you're married (or were married) to someone who's entitled to Social Security, you can collect spousal benefits equal to 50% of your husband or wife's benefits at full retirement age.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
What president took the most money out of Social Security? ›
“Next time a Republican tells you that 'Social Security is broke,' remind them that Pres. Bush 'borrowed' $1.37 trillion of Social Security surplus revenue to pay for his tax cuts for the rich and his war in Iraq and never paid it back”.
However, the double-taxation of Social Security benefits can occur at the state level. A grand total of 38 states don't tax Social Security benefits. But if you live in one of the 12 states that do tax Social Security benefits, and earn above the preset income thresholds in those states, double taxation can occur.
Which party started Social Security benefits? ›
The Social Security Act was passed into law on August 14, 1935, by US President Franklin Roosevelt, a member of the Democratic Party. Before the Social Security Act became law, President Roosevelt set up the committee on Economic Security in 1934 to develop a social welfare program proposal.
Who has social security number 1? ›
Fay of the Social Security Administration selected a record from the top of the first stack of 1,000 records and announced that the first Social Security number in history was assigned to John David Sweeney, Jr. of New Rochelle, New York.
Can two people have the same Social Security number? ›
There are millions of people who have SSNs, and some people think it is unique, but it is not, your number can match several people.
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number? ›
Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
Do social security numbers get reused after death? ›
Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.
Where does the money used for Social Security come from? ›
Social Security is financed through a dedicated payroll tax. Employers and employees each pay 6.2 percent of wages up to the taxable maximum of $168,600 (in 2024), while the self-employed pay 12.4 percent. The payroll tax rates are set by law, and for OASI and DI, apply to earnings up to a certain amount.
How much has the government borrowed from Social Security? ›
The fact is that Congress, despite borrowing $2.9 trillion from Social Security, hasn't pilfered or misappropriated a red cent from the program. Regardless of whether Social Security was presented as a unified budget under Lyndon B.
Which party started Social Security? ›
The Social Security Act was signed into law on August 14th, 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt, a member of the Democratic Party. When the "Social Security Act of 1935" bill was presented to congress, it was passed with majority support from Democrats and little support from Republicans.
Who got the first social security number? ›
John David Sweeney, Jr.
Sweeney was the son of a wealthy factory owner, and had grown up in a 15-room Westchester County home staffed with servants. In an effort to learn the family business, Mr. Sweeney was working as a shipping clerk for his father at the time he filled out his application for a social security card.
