LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES AFFECTING PERSONS OVER 65: Social Security Act and Amendments

There have been many legislative initiatives undertaken over the years that have a direct impact on persons over 65. While we as a group are affected by this legislation, many in the over-65 age group have at best a general idea of what is contained in these legislative initiatives. This post is intended to provide links to information resources you may find useful if you wish to learn more about these initiatives.

Social Security

One of the most important legislative initiatives affecting persons over 65 was the Social Security Act of 1935. Following are some sources of information about the legislation:


If you would like information about the following topics, go to:

Comprehensive information from the Social Security Administration
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Actual text of the 1935 Social Security Act
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/35actinx.html

Historical background and development of social security
• http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/briefhistory3.html
• http://people.howstuffworks.com/social-security-number5.htm
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O119-SocialSecurity.html
• http://www.answers.com/topic/social-security-united-states

Legislative history of the Social Security Act
• http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/law.html
• http://www.socialsecurity.gov/legislation/history/

Amendments to the Social Security Act:
Amendments of 1950
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/1950amend.html
Amendments of 1972
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/1972amend.html

Amendments of 1983
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/history/1983amend.html

Full text of current social security law
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/ssact/comp-ssa.htm

Debate and controversy
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_debate_%28United_States%29
• http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0303/p01s04-uspo.html
• http://ezinearticles.com/?Controversy-Over-Social-Security---Part-1---An-Overview&id=2837285
• http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/Social-Security-debate-%28United-States%29