After working three years in private industry, Ball joined the field organization of the Bureau of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (BOASI), predecessor to the present Social Security Administration, in 1939.

Mr. Ball returned to BOASI in 1949 as assistant director in charge of the Division of Program Analysis.

[3] In 1947, Ball wrote the key statement defining why social insurance, not welfare, should be America's primary income maintenance program.

[citation needed] The Los Angeles Times quoted Lawrence Thompson, chairman of the National Academy of Social Insurance, as saying, "No individual has done more to advance American social insurance programs than Robert M.

"[1] This article incorporates public domain material from SSA Commissioners - Robert M. Ball.