Social Security Programs in the U.S.

In 1935 Congress passed the Social Security Act that established a publicly funded program to ensure economic security for workers and their families. Under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act, employers are generally required to deduct money for the program from the paycheck of every working American. Social security funds are funneled into several programs that together attempt to meet the needs of retired, disabled, and unemployed workers as well as their families. This table summarizes the main programs.