Hi there. Today marks a major milestone, the 90th anniversary of Social Security. Since 1935, the program has touched the lives of millions, evolving to meet the needs of retirees, workers, families, and those with disabilities. We’re marking the occasion with a special edition of our newsletter. Enjoy!
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NARSSA | NARSSA Recommends Policy Solutions to Ensure Social Security for the Next 90 Years
Martha Shedden says, “The new NASI report makes it clear: Americans overwhelmingly want their leaders to strengthen Social Security, not by cutting benefits, but by raising the revenues needed to preserve and improve the program for generations to come.” Read more of Martha’s remarks and explore the key policy solutions NARSSA recommends. Read the press release.
Kiplinger | Five Social Security Myths That Can Cost You
NARSSA’s Martha Shedden teams up with Donna LeValley to debunk five costly Social Security myths, offering insights on how premature filing, miscalculations, and inaccurate assumptions could shrink your lifetime benefit by tens of thousands of dollars. Read the story.
Kiplinger | How Divorced Retirees Can Maximize Their Social Security Benefits: A Case Study
Divorced? You may still be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record, even if they’ve remarried or passed away. NARSSA’s Martha Shedden shares the real case study of 71-year-old Susan, a divorced retiree who made some costly mistakes, but still has options to boost her benefits. Read the story.
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Full question: I’m 34 and finally starting to take retirement planning seriously. With all the talk about Social Security turning 90 this month and all the headlines about it “running out of money”, I’m wondering what to expect. Will Social Security still be there when I retire? Should I plan like I won’t get anything at all?
Martha’s response: You are very smart to be considering your financial future early in your working years and to be asking these questions about Social Security! I am confident that the Social Security program will still be there for you when you retire. The program pays benefits on a “pay-as-you-go” system, meaning the payroll tax contributions made by today’s workers are paying…Read the full response.
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💡 Spotlight: Social Security’s 90 Year History
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When did Social Security begin, and what was its original purpose? Social Security was signed into law on August 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide financial support to older Americans during the Great Depression. It started as a retirement program for workers but has grown significantly since.
Who receives Social Security benefits today? Over 70 million Americans rely on Social Security, not just retirees, but also spouses, children, survivors, and people with disabilities.
What major milestones have defined Social Security’s history? Over the past nine decades, Social Security has adapted to meet the needs of a changing nation. From its New Deal origins to the digital age, here are the pivotal moments that shaped the program:
1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act
1937: Workers begin paying into the system through payroll taxes
1939: Benefits expand to include spouses, children, and survivors
1940: First monthly benefit check is issued
1956: Disability benefits are added
1965: Medicare becomes part of the program
1972: Annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) introduced
1983: Bipartisan reforms to strengthen the program
1990s: SSA modernizes with online access and digital records
2000s–2010s: Rising retirements, funding concerns, and legislative debates
2025: Social Security Fairness Act
Today: Filing is more complex than ever. Millions rely on Social Security, and more people are turning to experts like Registered Social Security Analysts for personalized guidance.
▶️ Watch the 90-second crash course on Social Security’s 90-year journey.
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🔎 Social Security Administration Updates
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Paper Checks Ending
Starting September 30, 2025, SSA will stop issuing paper checks. Benefits will be paid electronically via direct deposit or the Direct Express® card. Keep in mind, there will be exceptions for those without banking access or facing undue hardship.
Compassionate Allowances Expanded
SSA added 13 conditions to the Compassionate Allowances list, speeding up disability decisions for people with severe diagnoses. The CAL list now totals 300 conditions.
New Security PIN
A new, optional Security Authentication PIN (SAP) for my Social Security accountholders rolls out in August 2025 to speed identity verification when calling the National 800 Number and add another layer of protection.
Learn more.
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Upcoming: Annuity Producers Live
Join us August 21–22 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas, for Annuity Producers Live. NARSSA’s Tom Drapala will be speaking on how Social Security expertise can drive annuity success. Use code RSSA20 for a special registration discount.
Check out event photos on our Instagram.
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Disclaimer: The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, Ltd. has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The Social Security information provided in this email and on the website does not and is not intended to constitute financial advice. All information, content, and materials available in this email and on this site are for general informational purposes only.
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