In order to extend to employees of the State and its political subdivisions, and to dependents and survivors of such employees, the basic protection accorded to others by the old age and survivors insurance system embodied in the Social Security Act, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature, subject to the limitations of this chapter, that such steps be taken to provide such protection to employees of the State and its political subdivisions on as broad a basis as is permitted under the Social Security Act and the provisions of this chapter.
S.C. Code § 9-3-10