By Merle Colby
Director of Information, War Manpower Commission
(Published February 1946)

What’s Behind the Search for Social Security?

• The second big question—“security”
• “Let’s leave it to the individual!”
• “Let’s leave it to the employer!”
• “Let’s leave it to the government!”
• Everybody’s business

What Is Our Social Security Program Now?

• How social insurance works
• The Social Security Act
• Public assistance—what it does
• Public assistance—what it doesn’t do
• Old-age and survivors insurance—what it does
• Old-age and survivors insurance—what it doesn’t do
• Unemployment insurance—what it does
• Unemployment insurance—what it doesn’t do

Do Veterans Get Any of these Benefits?

• Protection for servicemen under social security

What Do Americans Think about Social Security?

Is Social Security a Federal Monopoly?

• Workmen’s compensation
• Rhode Island’s cash sickness insurance
• How unemployment insurance works in the states
• The main differences between old-age and survivors insurance and unemployment insurance
• State laws and how they operate
• Disqualifications
• Experience rating

Should the Present System Be Changed?

• Broadening the coverage
• A federal system
• Increased benefits
• Disability compensation
• Health insurance

Where Does the Money Come From?

• Who pays for our present social insurance program?
• Cost of an expanded social insurance program

To the Discussion Leader

• What form of discussion?
• Hints to help leaders
• Discussion questions on social security

For Further Reading