social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. Usually Social Security a program of old-age, unemployment, health, disability, and survivors insurance maintained by the U.S. federal government through compulsory payments by specific employer and employee groups.

2. the theory or practice of providing economic security and social welfare for the individual through government programs maintained by funds from public taxation.

---

social security British  

noun

1. public provision for the economic, and sometimes social, welfare of the aged, unemployed, etc, esp through pensions and other monetary assistance

2. (often capitals) a government programme designed to provide such assistance

---

Etymology

Origin of social security

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The slice of the population claiming social security support because of a disability is rising across the UK but the increase is quicker in Scotland where disability benefits are designed to be easier to access.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The SNP, which has been in government in Scotland since 2007, has also increased spending on social security.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“You’ll still find people saying only rich people can do this. I have had 15 American clients move to Albania that have been on social security or disability or both,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

She will also announce in her policy speech a cross-party "national council" to discuss taxation and how to fund ageing Japan's ballooning social security bill, media reports said.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

We would get our social security numbers and green cards three months after our arrival in the States.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers