The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, formally creating a federal program aimed primarily at providing financial assistance to the retired and disabled. Located at the White House in Washington D.C., this pivotal moment occurred during a time of economic instability and mass unemployment, which followed the stock market crash of 1929. Recognizing the urgent need for social reform, Roosevelt and his administration sought to introduce a safety net for the vulnerable population of the country, particularly the elderly, who were among the hardest hit by the Great Depression. The act included provisions for unemployment insurance and aid to families with dependent children, marking a new era in social welfare policy in the United States.

The legislation was a product of years of advocacy from social reformers and economists who argued for a systematic approach to alleviate poverty. The implementation of the program also reflected a broader shift in American political thought from a largely laissez-faire approach to a more interventionist government. The Social Security Act established the Social Security Administration, responsible for overseeing and managing the distribution of benefits to eligible individuals. The program initially provided old-age pensions for workers aged 65 and over, and funding was sourced from payroll taxes that created a self-sustaining system.

The passage of the Social Security Act was seen as a triumph of Roosevelt's New Deal agenda, solidifying his commitment to addressing the economic and social challenges facing the nation. Over the ensuing decades, the program expanded, adapting to changing demographics and economic conditions. It laid the groundwork for an enduring legacy in social welfare, significantly reducing poverty rates among older Americans and reshaping the relationship between the government and its citizens regarding social protection.