Reflecting on 78 Years of Social Security

Seventy-eight years ago today, when President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, he sent across a simple but significant message: Americans, no matter their age or physical ability, should be able to live their lives with dignity. Though the times and technologies have changed, that message remains at the core of this Administration.

Currently, Social Security helps provide almost 58 million Americans, including 37 million retired workers and 8 million disabled workers, with economic security. It is the major source of income for most of the elderly, who paid into the system throughout their lives.

Even as we celebrate Social Security’s birthday, we have to work to ensure that future generations have access to that same type of security. That’s why President Obama is committed to protect and strengthen Social Security, finding new ways to improve service delivery while cutting waste and fraud.

President Obama understands why Social Security matters, both historically and today: “We have an obligation … to safeguard Social Security for our seniors, people with disabilities, and all Americans – today, tomorrow, and forever,” he said.

In his 2011 State of the Union Address, President Obama further explained his commitment to Social Security:

To put us on solid ground, we should also find a bipartisan solution to strengthen Social Security for future generations. We must do it without putting at risk current retirees, the most vulnerable, or people with disabilities; without slashing benefits for future generations; and without subjecting Americans’ guaranteed retirement income to the whims of the stock market.

To learn more about how the Administration is working to strengthen and sustain Social Security, check out these links:

• Seniors & Social Security
• Commonsense Immigration Reform Will Strengthen Social Security
• Breaking It Down: The Health Care Law and Seniors
• Happy Anniversary Social Security!
• Social Security Basic Facts