What does Social Security primarily provide to working individuals?

Social Security primarily provides disability and retirement benefits to working individuals. This program is fundamentally designed to offer financial support to people who have paid into it through their payroll taxes during their working years. Upon reaching a certain age, individuals can claim retirement benefits, which serve as a source of income when they are no longer able or choose not to work. Additionally, if individuals become disabled and are unable to work before retirement age, Social Security provides disability benefits to help support them financially.

While job placement services, health insurance coverage, and unemployment benefits may be related to the broader scope of workers' support systems, they are not the primary aim of Social Security. Job placement services focus more on employment opportunities, health insurance can be provided through other programs or private means, and unemployment benefits specifically cater to those who are temporarily out of work – none of which encapsulate the core function of Social Security as effectively as the provision of disability and retirement benefits does.