What does the Social Security Tax (FICA) primarily support?

The Social Security Tax, officially known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, primarily supports retirement benefits for retired individuals. This tax is deducted from employees' paychecks and is matched by employers to fund the Social Security program, which provides monthly benefits to eligible retirees based on their earnings history.

In addition to retirement benefits, the Social Security program also offers disability benefits and survivors' benefits for the dependents of deceased workers, but its foundational purpose is to ensure financial support during retirement. This system is designed to help provide a safety net for individuals when they reach old age and are no longer able to work.

The other options refer to important social services, but they are funded through different mechanisms. Public education funding primarily comes from property taxes and state funding, while healthcare for low-income families is typically supported through programs like Medicaid. State unemployment programs are funded through unemployment insurance taxes that employers pay at the state level, distinct from the FICA tax that supports Social Security.