The major Social Security Act signed into law in 1935 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at providing financial assistance to the elderly, unemployed, and disabled population in the United States. It established a social insurance program that included old-age benefits for retirees, unemployment insurance, and support for vulnerable groups. This act marked a significant shift in the government's role in economic security and welfare, laying the foundation for the modern welfare state. Due to its impact, the Social Security Act remains a crucial element of America's social safety net, influencing subsequent policies and programs aimed at social protection.