What entity administers the Social Security program?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the entity responsible for administering the Social Security program. This program, established by the Social Security Act, provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals. The SSA manages the collection of payroll taxes that fund these benefits and oversees the distribution of funds to beneficiaries.

The SSA also handles various services including setting eligibility requirements, processing applications for benefits, and maintaining records for Social Security numbers. This makes the SSA central to the operation and management of the Social Security system.

In contrast, other entities like the Department of Labor focus on labor standards and employment policies, the Internal Revenue Service collects taxes and enforces tax laws, while the Federal Trade Commission oversees consumer protection and antitrust laws. Thus, while each of these agencies plays a crucial role in governmental functions, only the Social Security Administration directly administers the Social Security program.