A general term used to refer to the programs mandated in the United States by the Social Security Act of 1935. With the amendments made to the act since then, it now consists of benefits for old age, survivors, and disability. Through social security, programs that provide assistance to certain segments of the public are administrated, such as public assistance. 
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USAGE EXAMPLE

After she retired, my mother started collecting Social Security payments in order to supplement her other forms of retirement income.