Chapter 23 Section 2 Critical Thinking #3

3. Why might the Social Security Act be considered the most important achievement of the New Deal?

The Social Security Act could be considered one of the most important achievements of the New Deal because of how it helped and still helps (sort of) many Americans and gave aid to people who couldn't work. The three major parts of the act were the old-age insurance for retirees 65 and older, the unemployment compensation system and the aid to families with dependent children and the disabled. The old-age insurance was a retirement plan in which half of the funds came from the employer and the other half from the worker, and helped make many people's retirements comfortable. The unemployment compensation program gave aid to people who had a good record of employment and were having trouble finding jobs. The aid program for families with dependent children and disabled members gave money to families who were having trouble supporting their children or members who couldn't work. This Act was a big achievement for one because it helped a large number of people in different situations. Groups such as the retired, unemployed, and families needed help badly during the thirties; they weren't able to support a comfortable lifestyle for their children or themselves, and at the time there wasn't much help available to these groups. The Act helped Americans who fell into these groups pull through the Great Depression, and is still in use today.