The Social Security program in the United States was brought into existence in August 1935, more than 90 years ago. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935.
The first Social Security cards were issued in November 1936. Currently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a form of income for people with disabilities, retirees, survivors, and dependents. Approximately $139 billion was paid during March 2025. This benefited almost 73.6 million individuals in America.
A historical perspective on the working of the SSA
The Social Security Administration has undergone a lot of changes over the years. These have included expansion on the benefits provided as well as adjustments made to keep up with the changing financial times. A prime example of this is the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which were first implemented in October 1950. Disability benefits were incorporated in 1956.
These disability benefits were available to those aged 50 to 64 years, as well as those who have suffered from disabilities since childhood. September 1960 also saw a further expansion of the disability benefits. These benefits are now extended to those disabled of any age as well as their dependents, to be able to claim. Medicare was signed into law in July 1965 by President Johnson.
Evaluating the SSA in its present state
The Social Security Administration not only administers the Social Security payments, but also manages the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Social Security payments refer to the retirement, survivor, and spousal benefit payments. The SSI specifically focuses on those blind, disabled, or aged individuals with limited forms of resources or income. SSI and SSA payments are not managed similarly.
The magnitude of the task at hand has necessitated this move. The Supplemental Security Payments (SSI) are made on the first day of each month. When this date overlaps with a weekend of a public holiday, the benefit payment is shifted to the last business day before this date. This can account for the fact that some months during the year allow for a double payment of SSI benefits.
Financial implications of the payment schedule
According to the Social Security payment schedule, it may also happen that three benefit payments are made to an individual. This can only occur if the above anomaly is prevalent and only applicable to individuals receiving both SSI and SSA payments. Social Security payments are calculated according to the individual’s birthdate. Spousal and survivor benefits are also based on the other individual’s birthdate:
- Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th of the month
- Payday on the 2nd Wednesday of the month
- Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th of the month
- Payday on the 3rd Wednesday of the month
- Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st of the month
- Payday is on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
The maximum SSI payments for 2025 are $967 for an individual claimant or $1,450 for couples. This amount may be lower as it is dependent on things such as income and other eligibility factors. SSA retirement benefits are on average $1,976 monthly. Retiring at 62 years has a benefit of $2,831, $4,018 for the full retirement age, and $5,108 if the individual retires at 70 years.
Benefit payments are usually made promptly, either by a direct deposit into a designated bank account or a Direct Express debit card. In the instance where these are not received, the SSA advises waiting three business days to enquire. A first point of call would be to the bank or financial institution to determine if the problem is not at that end. If this has been cleared, the SSA can be contacted. This can be either done telephonically or with an in-person visit to the local SSA office. This applies not only in cases of late or no payment, but also where SSN cards were lost or stolen.
