What law was enacted in 1935 to provide aid to retirees and those in need?

The law enacted in 1935 to provide aid to retirees and those in need is the Social Security Act. This landmark legislation established a system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and welfare provisions for dependent mothers and the physically disabled. The Social Security Act represented a significant shift in the role of the federal government in providing economic security to its citizens, especially during the Great Depression when many were struggling financially.

The act laid the foundation for the modern social safety net and has evolved over the years to include various programs aimed at supporting individuals in times of need. Medicare, on the other hand, was introduced later in 1965 to provide health coverage to the elderly, while unemployment insurance is a component of the Social Security system but does not encompass the full range of benefits targeted at retirees. The Welfare Act, which does not exist under that specific name in the context of the 1935 legislation, might refer to various welfare programs but is not the title of this significant law.