Happy 90th Social Security!

ASHEVILLE, NC — Ninety years ago in 1935 times were tough. It was the heart of the Great Depression and millions of Americans were out of work. For most older Americans, it was a grim fact of life that changing times had taken away whatever economic safety net they had, and most of them were facing “a poverty-ridden old age.”

Recognizing a critical need, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. It created a social insurance program designed to give workers age 65 or older a continuing income after retirement. **

Fast-forward 90 years: in 2025, Social Security is still going strong and has never missed a payment. To help celebrate one of the most successful anti-poverty measures in our nation's history, you are invited to join us for a special birthday party! On August 14, we are hosting events across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C.

Here in western North Carolina, we’ve got two celebrations: On Thursday, August 7, AARP and White Labs Brewing will host a Social Security trivia event.
Register here

On Thursday, August 14, AARP and Polk County Senior Center, 75 Carmel Ln, Columbus, NC 28722 will host a BBQ including trivia, photo booth, BBQ lunch and, of course, cake!
Register here

** Fun facts: In the second half of the 1930s, when Social Security was brand new, workers hadn’t had time to pay into the fund. Instead, they were paid benefits in the form of a single payment. The average lump-sum payment during this period was $58.06. The smallest payment ever made was for five cents! Click here for a more detailed history of Social Security.