Which of the following legislation significantly affects social work practice in the U.S.?

The Social Security Act is a critically important piece of legislation that has a profound impact on social work practice in the U.S. Enacted in 1935, it established a program of old-age benefits for workers and created a system of federal-state unemployment insurance. This legislation laid the groundwork for various social welfare programs that provide essential support for individuals and families facing economic hardships, including public assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid.

By creating a safety net for vulnerable populations, the Social Security Act directly influences the roles and responsibilities of social workers. It informs their work in areas such as financial assistance, healthcare access, and support for the elderly and disabled. Social workers often advocate for clients’ rights to these benefits and navigate the complexities of the system to ensure that individuals receive the assistance they need.

In contrast, while the other options touch on important regulatory issues, they do not have the same direct effect on the core functions of social work practice. The Freedom of Information Act pertains to transparency in government, the Copyright Act deals with intellectual property, and the Minimum Wage Act relates to labor laws. These areas can intersect with social work in certain scenarios but are not foundational to the profession’s practice and objectives as the Social