What is one main purpose of the Social Security program?

One of the main purposes of the Social Security program is to ensure retirement income for individuals who have paid into the system throughout their working lives. This program provides a safety net for retirees, helping them to maintain a level of financial stability in their later years when they may no longer have a steady income from employment. Social Security benefits are designed to replace a portion of a worker's earnings based on their lifetime earnings record, thereby reducing the risk of poverty among older adults. By offering this support, the program plays a crucial role in the overall financial wellbeing of retirees in the U.S.