Women’s History Month and Social Security | Social Security Matters

During Women’s History Month, we recognize the important role Social Security has played in the lives of women across generations.

In 1940, Ida May Fuller became the first person to receive recurring monthly Social Security benefits. From the beginning, Social Security has provided reliable retirement benefits, helping women plan for their financial futures. Whether navigating career changes, family milestones, or retirement decisions, Social Security remains a trusted resource for women throughout their lives. Today, Social Security continues to be a cornerstone for retirees, people like Ida, who worked and paid into the system.

If you’re ready to retire and want to learn more about your future benefits, there’s no better time to start planning than at the present. Start by signing up for a personal my Social Security account. With your account, you can view your Social Security Statement to get estimates of future benefits and other important planning information. You can also review your full earnings history with a personal account.

Our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know, provides detailed information about how life events—marriage, the death of a spouse, divorce, self-employment, and other changes—can affect your Social Security retirement benefits. You can also check our Retirement webpage for more details to help you navigate the process.

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, just as we were back in Ida’s day. Learn more about applying for retirement benefits on our website and don’t forget to create your personal my Social Security account today!

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