On August 14, 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said on the signing of the Social Security Act:

There were many photographs taken of the Social Security Act signing ceremony. The posing was different in many of the photographs and in no single photograph are all the participants visible. This composite photograph shows all of the participants in a single image. Click image to learn more.
“We can never insure one hundred percent of the population against one hundred percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age. This law, too, represents a cornerstone in a structure, which is being built but is by no means complete. It is a structure intended to lessen the force of possible future depressions”.

Miss Fuller’s claim was the first one on the first Certification List and so the first Social Security check, check number 00-000-001, was issued to Ida May Fuller in the amount of $22.54 and dated January 31, 1940. Click image to learn more.
Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American, whether at the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, the onset of a disability, or the transition from work to retirement. For more than 80 years, our programs have contributed to the financial security of the elderly and the disabled and “we are committed to improving service to the millions of Americans who expect and deserve timely and accurate help from us”, said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

Social Security may run out of money by 2035, if Congress doesn’t act. Click image to learn more. GETTY IMAGES
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, SSA continues to provide help to you and others in your community. Most business with SSA can be done online, but they know that many people still rely on phone or in-person help. While the offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, SSA remains committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. SSA wants you to know that they remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security matters. You can speak with a representative by calling their toll free number 1-800-772-1213 or by calling the local office. You can find the local office phone number conveniently online with their Social Security Office Locator. Your local Social Security offices phone number are:
- Rockville (866) 838-5341
- Silver Spring (877) 512-3848
If you have a critical situation, they cannot help you with by phone or online, they may be able to schedule an appointment for you.
During the month of our anniversary, join us to celebrate! Visit us online at www.socialsecurity.gov and remember….
Social Security….with you through life’s journey.
To learn more about Social Securities history click here.