Times have changed. Social Security has been helping people for 65 years, but it is by no means ready to retire. Times have indeed changed, but so has Social Security. Since its inception, Social Security has changed to meet the needs of the American worker. In fact, the most recent change allows people who have reached full retirement age to receive their full retirement benefits and still work.
People don t always choose to stop working when they become eligible for retirement benefits.
My mom said it should have been free. Yes, it is free. Getting a Social Security card has always been a free service. It sounds like you fell victim to misleading advertising. Some companies offer to obtain Social Security services for you and then charge you a fee.