Social Security Administration

Agency

1. independent agency charged with administering the national program of contributory social insurance. Under the program, employees, employers, and the self-employed pay contributions that are pooled in special trust funds. When earnings stop or are reduced because the worker retires, dies, or becomes disabled, monthly cash benefits are paid to replace part of the earnings the family has lost. Principal benefits programs include hospital insurance programs, retirement and disability insurance programs, and Supplemental Security Income insurance programs for the aged, blind, and disabled.