Social Security Act, 1935. The Social Security Act was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal legislation. "An act to provide for the general welfare by establishing a system of Federal old-age benefits, and by enabling the several States to make more adequate provision for aged persons, blind persons, dependent and crippled children, maternal and child welfare, public health, and the administration of their unemployment compensation laws; to establish a Social Security Board; to raise revenue; and for other purposes." Click here to enlarge this image.