Which legislation established the Social Security program in the U.S.?

The Social Security Act of 1935 is the foundational legislation that established the Social Security program in the United States. This landmark act was created in response to the economic hardships of the Great Depression, aimed at providing a safety net for the elderly, the unemployed, and disadvantaged individuals. It introduced a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children, among other provisions.

This legislation marked a significant shift in the government’s role in providing financial support to citizens in need, laying the groundwork for the social welfare programs that followed. It established the Social Security Administration, which is responsible for overseeing the Social Security program and managing ongoing benefits.

In contrast, the other options refer to different pieces of legislation that do not pertain to the establishment of the Social Security program. The Affordable Care Act primarily focuses on health care reform, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act deals with Medicare payment models, and the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act significantly reformed welfare programs. Each of these has its own specific focus and goals, separate from the foundational aspects of Social Security that were defined in the 1935 act.