Frequently Asked Questions

• When did Social Security start?
  President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. 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 origin of the term Social Security?
  Abraham Epstein in connection with his group, the American Association, first used the term in the U.S. for Social Security. Originally, the Social Security Act of 1935 was named the Economic Security Act, but this title was changed during congressional consideration of the bill.
• Who is the Commissioner of Social Security?
  Kenneth S. Apfel was nominated on May 23, 1997 by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate on September 19, 1997 as the Commissioner of the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). more
• What kind of disability benefits does Social Security pay?
  People who are severely disabled may be eligible for monthly benefits under one or more of the programs we administer. Both the Social Security program and the SSI program provide a monthly income for people with severe disabilities. However, the eligibility requirements for the two programs are … more
• Who is the Commissioner of Social Security?
  Kenneth S. Apfel was nominated on May 23, 1997 by President Clinton and confirmed by the Senate on September 19, 1997 as the Commissioner of the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). more
• What kind of disability benefits does Social Security pay?
  People who are severely disabled may be eligible for monthly benefits under one or more of the programs we administer. Both the Social Security program and the SSI program provide a monthly income for people with severe disabilities. However, the eligibility requirements for the two programs are … more
• What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI?
  Social Security disability insurance is a program that workers, employers and the self-employed pay for with their Social Security taxes. You qualify for these benefits based on your work history, and the amount of your benefit is based on your earnings. SSI is a program financed through general … more
• What are the disability requirements for an adult?
  The definition of disability in the Social Security law is a strict one. To be eligible for benefits, a person must be unable to do any kind of substantial gainful work because of a physical or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments), which is expected either to last at least 12 … more