What is the primary purpose of Social Security?

The primary purpose of Social Security is to provide financial assistance to retirees and disabled individuals. This system was established to ensure that individuals have a source of income when they reach retirement age or become unable to work due to disability. The Social Security program is funded through payroll taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), and its benefits are designed to replace a portion of an individual's pre-retirement income, helping them maintain a certain standard of living.

While the other choices address important social and economic issues, they do not reflect the central role of Social Security. For example, funding government infrastructure projects encompasses public works and development but is not related to Social Security's mission. Supporting local businesses and employment entails different strategies focused on economic growth. Providing healthcare to low-income families is associated more with Medicaid and other health programs rather than Social Security.