First Social Security Check

Unverified
Date January 31, 1940
Type National
Author hjwilson1975
Location Ludlow, Vermont, United States
Categories
Economic & Business Social & Civil Rights

Event Details

On January 31, 1940, Ida May Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, received the first-ever monthly Social Security retirement benefit check. The check was for $22.54.

System: Fuller had paid only $24.75 into the system before retiring. She lived to be 100, collecting over $22,000 in benefits, highlighting the longevity risks and structure of the social insurance program.