Before the Social Security Act was passed, limited government assistance existed in the form of

pensions granted by businesses.

government-supported charities.

pensions for people over 60.

individual state programs.

Before the Social Security Act was passed, limited government assistance existed in the form of individual state programs.

Before the Social Security Act was passed, limited government assistance existed in the form of " individual state programs," since this was largely considered to be a state issue, not a federal one, for quite some time.