On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Born out of the hardships of the Great Depression, the Act created a system of economic security that reshaped the lives of millions of Americans.

With its passage, the government established programs that provided old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children and the disabled. It was the foundation of a safety net that—nearly ninety years later—continues to be a vital lifeline for millions.

🧠 Why the Social Security Act Matters

The Social Security Act was more than a law—it was a promise of dignity and stability in uncertain times. Roosevelt described it as “a law that will take care of human needs and at the same time provide for the United States an economic structure of vastly greater soundness.”

Over the decades, Social Security has helped:

• Retirees live with independence after a lifetime of work.

• Families weather economic downturns with unemployment benefits.

• Vulnerable Americans—children, the disabled, and survivors—receive support in their hardest moments.

It remains one of the most enduring legacies of the New Deal.

💌 A Stamp Worth Collecting

To honor the 50th anniversary of the Social Security Act, the USPS issued the 1985 22¢ Social Security Act stamp (Scott 2153). For collectors, this stamp holds special significance:

• New Deal and Great Depression history

• Presidential history, especially FDR’s legacy

• Social policy and reform movements

• Stamps that reflect American life and values

The Social Security Act stamp reminds us that legislation can change not just the course of government—but the daily lives of ordinary people.