Celebrating 88 Years of Social Security

For 88 years, Social Security has provided income protection to millions of retirees, people with disabilities, dependents, and families that lose a wage earner.

This year, we will administer more than $1.3 trillion in benefits and payments to more than 70 million beneficiaries and cover 181 million workers and their families.

In addition to paying benefits, we issue millions of Social Security numbers each year, maintain the wage records of workers, and more. The scope of what we do is enormous, and we are proud to serve the American people every day.

To better serve you, we have prioritized our online customer experience. In December 2022, we launched an enhanced SSA.gov to make it easier for you to find what you need. More than 180 million people visit our website every year. Whether providing service in person or online, our goal is help you understand what you may qualify for and transition you to an application process.

We have also worked to make sure our programs, particularly Supplemental Security Income (SSI), remain accessible to the people who need them most. In March 2022, we launched an online tool that allows you or your representative to request an appointment to file for SSI and preserves the filing date. An employee will then schedule a full interview.

Another way that you can do business with us online is by signing up for a personal my Social Security account. With your free and secure account, you can apply for benefits and Medicare, check your application status, get proof of benefits, and request a replacement Social Security card. If you don’t receive benefits, you can use your account to get personalized retirement benefit estimates, your Social Security Statement, and instant proof you don’t receive benefits.

We are committed to helping maintain the well-being and protection of the people we serve. We strive to ensure that every person who is eligible for or receives benefits gets them timely and accurately. That is how we help you secure today and tomorrow.

Please share this information with your friends and loved ones who may need it – and post it on social media.