The federal program in the U.S. offers retirement benefits and disability income to eligible individuals, along with support for their spouses, children, and survivors. The program is managed by a federal agency known as the Social Security Administration (SSA). In 2024, more than 72 million Americans are set to receive benefits from Social Security.
Social Security functions as a form of retirement allowance. Employees contribute to the program, usually via deductions from their salaries. Individuals who work for themselves are required to pay Social Security taxes during the filing of their federal tax returns.
How Social Security Works?
Employees have the opportunity to accumulate as many as four credits annually. In 2024, individuals can earn one credit for every $1,730 earned, with a maximum of up to $6,920, allowing for four credits.
Funds are allocated to two Social Security trust accounts: one for retirees, known as the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, and another for those receiving disability benefits, called the Disability Insurance Trust Fund. These two funds provide benefits to individuals who are presently qualified to receive them.The eligibility of an immigrant to receive Social Security benefits is determined by their legal status.
Can Illegal Immigrants Claim Social Security?
The Social Security Administration stated on its website that noncitizens who are lawfully present in the United States and meet all eligibility requirements may qualify for Social Security benefits. This regulation is also relevant for noncitizens who have been granted work authorization in the United States and received a Social Security number post-December 2003.
Legal immigrants in the U.S. can earn Social Security retirement benefits by accumulating sufficient work credits throughout their careers. Immigrants must secure a Social Security number and contribute to Social Security taxes to earn these credits.
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Individuals residing in the country without legal status cannot access Social Security retirement benefits. However, those who initially entered the U.S. unlawfully but later obtained temporary permission to remain may qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits, provided they fulfill specific requirements. SSI benefits are provided to individuals with limited income or resources, those with disabilities or blindness, and seniors aged 65 and above.
Certain immigrants could qualify for SSI if they satisfy these requirements:
- Lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
- Granted conditional entry.
- Paroled into the United States.
- Admitted as a refugee.
- Granted asylum.
- An alien whose removal is being withheld.
- A Cuban or Haitian entrant.
- Admitted as an Amerasian immigrant.
- Admitted as an Afghan or Iraqi special immigrant.
- Admitted as an Afghan humanitarian parolee.
- Admitted as an Afghan non-special immigrant parolee.
- Admitted as a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee.
Conclusion
Legally residing immigrants in the U.S. are eligible to receive Social Security benefits if they fulfill certain requirements related to work credits and SSI collection thresholds, according to the SSA.
Immigrants who entered the U.S. without authorization may qualify for SSI benefits under certain conditions, such as being granted asylum, but they are generally not allowed to access most other federal benefits.
Reference: Newsweek and Investopedia
