Most people probably take their Social Security card for granted. Obviously a Social Security card is an important document that is required for employment purposes and everyone knows Social Security numbers are used for identification purposes, but have you ever wondered why the Social Security looks the way it does?
Today, more than 80 years after the establishment of Social Security, the Social Security card looks the way it always has since it was designed by Fred Happel in 1936. Below is a synopsis from Social Security about Happel’s creation of the Social Security card.
Fred Happel of Albany, N.Y. designed the original Social Security card back in 1936. He was commissioned by the Social Security Board to submit three designs, one of which was ultimately selected. Mr. Happel was paid $60 for his work. (Mr. Happel was a skilled artist who also designed the famous “Flying Tigers” logo used by General Chennault’s forces during World War II.)
In 1985, Mr. Happel’s surviving niece, Emily Bailey of Greensboro, Maryland, donated the original artwork for the card to SSA’s History Room in Baltimore.
Facebook Forum Is April 30
Social Security has scheduled a Facebook forum beginning at 4 PM Eastern Time featuring the agency’s chief actuary Steve Gross who will presumably discuss the recent news that the lifespan of the Social Security trust funds has been extended another year. Below is the description of the event from Social Security.
Social Security’s Chief Actuary Steve Goss joins us on Facebook Live to discuss the future of Social Security. Mr. Goss will talk about the newly released 2019 Trustees Report and answer your questions LIVE. Don’t miss this important conversation. RSVP today!
Note: The closed-captioned version will be available post broadcast.
