Who runs the Social Security system in the United States?

Asked by: Jenifer Bauch PhD  |  Last update: June 29, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)

The Social Security Administration (SSA), an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, runs the Social Security system. Established in 1935, the SSA is led by a Commissioner (currently Frank Bisignano as of May 2025) and manages retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, along with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

What government department oversees Social Security?

The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability and survivor benefits.

Who is in charge of U.S. Social Security?

Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. Frank J. Bisignano currently serves as the 18th Senate-confirmed Commissioner of the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).

Who holds the Social Security Administration accountable?

The Social Security Administration (SSA), an independent U.S. government agency led by a Commissioner, is responsible for managing Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, plus the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, with funding collected by the IRS and held in trust funds. 

What president took money out of the Social Security Fund?

Bush financed income tax cuts and the Iraq war by plundering money from Social Security.

Is the US running out of Social Security?

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Who did Trump appoint to head Social Security?

In December 2024, president-elect Donald Trump named Bisignano as his nominee for commissioner of the Social Security Administration. He appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance in March 2025. The committee voted to confirm Bisignano the following month. The Senate confirmed Bisignano in May.

Did Ronald Reagan start the tax on Social Security?

A3. The taxation of Social Security began in 1984 following passage of a set of Amendments in 1983, which were signed into law by President Reagan in April 1983. These amendments passed the Congress in 1983 on an overwhelmingly bi-partisan vote.

Why did the head of the Social Security Administration resign?

(NewsNation) — The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration has stepped down from her role after the Department of Government Efficiency requested access to private information, according to reports.

Who can I complain to about Social Security?

Call the toll-free SSA Customer Teleservice Center and tell them about your complaint. They will write it down for you and send it to the appropriate office. Call: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

How much will my Social Security go up with the Fairness Act?

Your Social Security benefit could increase significantly under the Social Security Fairness Act, depending on your work history, with estimates showing average boosts of around $360/month (WEP-affected) to $1,190/month (GPO-affected), plus retroactive lump-sum payments back to January 2024, as the Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for many public servants. The exact amount varies, from small increases to over $1,000 monthly, impacting those with non-Social Security pensions, and you should receive a notice from the SSA. 

Who holds Social Security accountable?

The Social Security Administration (SSA), an independent U.S. government agency led by a Commissioner, is responsible for managing Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, plus the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, with funding collected by the IRS and held in trust funds. 

Which president made Social Security mandatory?

After a Conference which lasted throughout July, the bill was finally passed and sent to President Roosevelt for his signature. The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Roosevelt on August 14, 1935.

What did Ronald Reagan say about Social Security?

In this ten-minute recording, Reagan "criticized Social Security for supplanting private savings and warned that subsidized medicine would curtail Americans' freedom" and that "pretty soon your son won't decide when he's in school, where he will go or what he will do for a living.

What did Jimmy Carter do to Social Security?

HEW reorganization plan published in Federal Register, creating the Health Care Financing Administration to manage the Medicare program. President Carter signed the Social Security Amendments of 1980. Major provisions involved greater work incentives for disabled Social Security and SSI beneficiaries.

Do millionaires get Social Security?

The short answer is yes. Under the current law, an individual's wealth or current income level has no impact on their eligibility to receive a Social Security retirement benefit. In other words, even if you have $10 billion in assets, you could qualify for Social Security as long as you meet the requirements.