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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of social security

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Rising minimum wages and social security contributions have made it more expensive to hire students and other seasonal staff.

From The Wall Street Journal

My Social Security benefit would be $2,200 per month if I take it at age 62.

From MarketWatch

My wife’s Social Security benefit would be $2,500 per month if she takes it at age 62.

From MarketWatch

With all of your income sources — your savings, your wife’s pension and combined Social Security — you have $87,600 annually before tax.

From MarketWatch

Some of these variables, such as when you claim Social Security, are within your control, while others are not.

From MarketWatch