Pennsylvania Old Age Pension Commission

About the Author

The Pennsylvania Old Age Pension Commission was established in 1919 to investigate and recommend policies for providing financial support to the elderly in Pennsylvania, addressing the growing needs of an aging population amid post-World War I economic challenges. Composed of dedicated public servants, economists, and social reformers, the commission conducted extensive research, surveys, and hearings across the state to assess the feasibility of a pension system. Their seminal Report ... March, 1919, presented key findings on poverty among seniors, proposed funding mechanisms through state taxes, and advocated for a structured pension program to ensure dignity in old age. This work laid foundational groundwork for future social welfare legislation in Pennsylvania and influenced national discussions on elderly care, highlighting the commission's pivotal role in early 20th-century social policy development.