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The Social Security Amendments of 1972 were a set of legislative changes made to the Social Security Act of 1935, which established the Social Security system in the United States. The 1972 amendments made several significant changes to the Social Security program, including:
1. Automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): The 1972 amendments established a new method for adjusting Social Security benefits to keep pace with inflation. Beginning in 1975, Social Security benefits were automatically adjusted each year based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
2. Increased Benefits: The 1972 amendments increased Social Security benefits by 20 percent, beginning in 1974. This was the largest increase in Social Security benefits up to that time.
3. Disability Benefits: The amendments expanded the Social Security program to provide disability benefits to individuals under age 65 who were unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Prior to the 1972 amendments, Social Security disability benefits were only available to individuals over age 50.
4. Medicare: The 1972 amendments also expanded the Medicare program to cover individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who required dialysis or a kidney transplant, regardless of age.
Overall, the Social Security Amendments of 1972 represented a significant expansion of the Social Security program, providing greater benefits and protections to millions of Americans.
