What was the purpose of the Social Security Act of 1935?

The Social Security Act of 1935 was designed primarily to provide financial assistance to the elderly, as well as unemployment insurance for those who lost their jobs. This landmark legislation was a response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, aiming to create a safety net for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults who had no means of support. By establishing a system of old-age benefits and unemployment insurance, the act sought to ensure that retirees would have financial support and that those temporarily out of work would receive assistance while seeking new employment. This framework has since evolved and expanded, but its core purpose remains focused on providing economic security to those in need, particularly the elderly and the unemployed. The other options do not encapsulate the primary objectives of the Social Security Act, as it fundamentally did not aim to address public transportation, offer universal healthcare, or eradicate poverty through direct cash payments.