Encyclopedia · Organization
Social Security Administration (SSA)
U.S. independent federal agency administering Social Security
Organization details
- Origin
- Social Security Board founded in 1935
- Independent agency again
- March 31, 1995
- Role
- Old-age, survivors and disability insurance; supplemental income programs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent U.S. federal agency responsible for Social Security programs.
Institutional history
Social Security administration began as an independent board under the Social Security Act of 1935, was reorganized in 1939, and later became the Social Security Administration. A 1994 law returned the agency to independent status on March 31, 1995.
Information used by SAVE
In 2025 federal officials linked SSA citizenship-related record information with DHS’s modified SAVE verification program. The 2026 case concerning those modifications included privacy and accuracy disputes. A Supreme Court stay in September preserved interim operation pending appeal; it did not decide every legal claim.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.