Social Security is celebrating 91 years of existence in the United States of America this week.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates Social Security taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937, with the first payments also starting in January 1937.

Social Security was originally only provided a retirement benefit to the primary worker. Myers points out a 1939 change added survivors benefits and benefits for the retiree’s spouse and children. Then in 1956, disability benefits were added. 

The first Social Security website was launched in 1994 and has been improving and evolving ever since. Myers points out, in 2001 they added the first version of the online claims application and have been accepting claims online for 25 years.

Myers hopes you'll create your own personal mySocialSecurity account by going to  www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create your account.