The Social Security Act of 1935 provided retirement benefits only to retired workers themselves. Four years later, even before any benefits had been paid, the first of numerous extensions to the system provided benefits for survivors and dependents. Later extensions included several classes of workers not previously covered under the original law. In 1956, the age at which women become eligible for some benefits was reduced from 65 to 62 and five years later men were given the option of retiring at age 62 at a reduced level of benefits.