Why I Serve
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
On the eve of Social Security’s 80th anniversary, we want to share a personal moment with you. We usually talk about the services we offer, and why we believe offering these services is important to you and our nation.
We seldom get the opportunity to speak about our employees – those who stand behind the desk, behind the computer screen, or on the other end of the calls to our toll-free telephone service. Social Security employs more than 62,000 men and women nationwide.
Our employees’ duties range from taking a retirement application, to designing the signs posted on the walls of our field offices, to creating and editing thousands of publications, to designing and maintaining our vast computer network. Our team does this with a common goal of serving America by providing services to our nation’s most vulnerable citizens in times of personal hardship, transition, and uncertainty.
In the past few months, we asked our employees to share why they serve. Their answers, often expressed in heartfelt narratives, almost universally contained one sentiment.
I serve because I enjoy working with our public and because the services we provide matter.
Our greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that the people who need our benefits most – retirees, people with the disabilities, children, and families – receive the help they need. Social Security continues to give Americans hope and support with expanded programs that offer more than even President Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned 80 years ago, when he signed the Social Security Act into law.
Tomorrow, we celebrate the anniversary of our program. Today, we celebrate the thousands who bring that program to life every day.
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Tags: social security, SSA
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Constance M.
I appreciate the service of Social Security, which I purchased by contributing for 50 years. Thank you.
CLEVELAND E.
Congratulation on 80 years Anniversary You are the back bone of new america , thank you from one of Work People U S A.
Edward M.
In the 1960’s working for Henry Aronson of the Division of State Merit Systems in the Office of the Secretary of Health Education and Welfare, I was give the minutes of the the committee establishing the Social Security System — they were carbon copies bound in books.
I am now trying my memory as to what I selected for
Mr Aronson.
Richard J.
I use to work for the city and I know that sometimes it’s hard to deal with the public but you bait the bullet and put on your happy face and continue to work ( how can I help you) what I say is thank you for your patience and hard word. GOD BLESS you all.
Claudine K.
I have more of my senior clients (Income tax preparation) complaining that they cannot get service at the Albany, OR Social Security office and are told repeatedly to go online. NOT everyone has a computer OR the knowledge to access and use a computer. I hesitate to offer my services without a power of attorney as my e-mail address would have to be used on the application. I hope someone reads this reply and responds.
Thank you
Bob A.
Congratulations on 80 Years.
I work with our local Social Security office in Youngstown Ohio and have done so for the past 15 years. I find the staff to be very helpful, considerate and understanding of my needs when I call or visit the office for the individuals on our representative payee program. Thanks to all the staff who currently work there and to those who over the years has worked there.
Dave
You and everyone else work for the SSA, get paid very well and have great benefits—the problem with government top to bottom and at every level. So you work not serve. If you were not paid or paid at a much lower level it might be different. Government serves itself and always has. In fact it is high time for a second revolution in this country to return the government to the people!
Edwin J.
It’s probably not said enough, and many of you may have never heard this, but Thank You, for all your hard work for people you don’t know and in most cases will never meet except maybe for a conversation over the phone or a brief meeting at one of the offices. It may not always feel like it, but you are appreciated.
Brenda H.
I would like to thank all the employees of Social Security Administration for all they do for us they do a awesome job and well educated about their job Thank You
Antonia F.
Thank you so much for all you do for us