Government Benefits-SSA, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid & Military

The Social Security Act was signed by President Franklin Roosevelt on August 14, 1935.  Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lump-sum payments were made that same month.  However, regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940 when Ida May Fuller received her first payment under the new act.  Now some are predicting that by the year 2017 social security program will operate at a deficit.. Government benefits, including military, are somewhat unique and deserve a separate discussion and review.