United States (US)
The United States is a federation of 50 states and the District of Columbia spanning six time zones from the Atlantic to the Pacific, plus Alaska and Hawaii.
Social Security in United States
Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.
US social safety net weaker than Europe. Main programs: Social Security retirement/disability, Medicare, Medicaid, Unemployment Insurance, SNAP, TANF, WIC, SSI.
Social Security Number (SSN)
SSN
Apply at Social Security Administration office with I-94, visa, passport, I-797 or work permit. Free. Takes 2-4 weeks. Application form SS-5.
- Work and wage reporting
- Tax filing
- Credit applications
- Bank account opening
- Healthcare enrollment
- Government benefits
- Driver's license (many states)
- Rental applications
Benefits & Support Payments
Unemployment Insurance
UI
State-run temporary income for workers who lose their job through no fault of their own.
Work history requirements vary by state. Must be able and available to work, actively seeking employment.
File claim with state workforce agency. Weekly or biweekly certification required.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Food Stamps / SNAP
Electronic benefit for food purchases at grocery stores and some farmers markets.
Income-based. Non-citizen eligibility limited — 5-year waiting period for many LPRs.
Apply through state/county social services office or online portal.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
TANF
Cash welfare for families with children.
Low-income families with minor children. 60-month lifetime limit.
Apply through state social services.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC
Nutrition assistance for pregnant/postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.
Pregnant/postpartum/breastfeeding women, infants, children under 5 meeting income/nutrition risk.
Apply at local WIC clinic with proof of income, identity, residency.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
SSI
Federal cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled with low income and resources.
Age 65+, blind, or disabled. Asset limit $2,000 individual / $3,000 couple.
Apply at Social Security Administration office or ssa.gov.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
SSDI
Disability benefits for workers who have paid into Social Security.
Work credits based on age at disability onset + medical determination.
Apply at ssa.gov. Appeals process long (6-24 months common).
Medicare
Medicare
Federal health insurance for 65+ and certain disabled persons.
65+ with 40 quarters of work, or on SSDI 24+ months, or certain conditions.
Automatic enrollment at 65 if already on Social Security; else apply at ssa.gov.
Medicaid
Medicaid
State-federal health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
Income-based. Expansion states cover up to 138% FPL; non-expansion states narrower.
Apply through state Medicaid agency or healthcare.gov.
Section 8 Housing Voucher
Housing Choice Voucher
Federal rental assistance paid directly to private landlord.
Income below 50% of area median. Long waitlists common (years).
Apply at local Public Housing Authority when waitlist opens.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP
Energy bill assistance for low-income households.
Income-based, varies by state.
Apply through state/local LIHEAP office, typically seasonal window.
Head Start
Head Start / Early Head Start
Free preschool and child development for low-income families.
Ages 0-5 in families below federal poverty line.
Apply directly at local Head Start center.
National School Lunch Program
School Lunch (Free/Reduced)
Free or reduced-price school meals.
Income-based. Some schools universal free meals (Community Eligibility).
Apply through school district each year.
Contribution Overview
Social Security tax 6.2% employee + 6.2% employer on first $184,500 (2026 wage base, increased from $176,100 in 2025; source: ssa.gov). Medicare 1.45% + 1.45% no cap + 0.9% additional on earnings over $200k. Total FICA 7.65% employee.
International Social Security Agreements
US has totalization with 30 countries: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and more. Combines work credits; prevents double SS tax.
Federal benefits rely on SSN. ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for those ineligible for SSN — allows tax filing but no SS benefits.
Social Security
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