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

I plan to take Social Security at 70, and my wife will also get a modest pension.

From MarketWatch

Given your expected longevity, you’re smart to wait to claim Social Security.

From MarketWatch

For 2025, the maximum earnings on which a worker pays into Social Security is $176,100, and the maximum possible monthly Social Security benefit is $5,108 for someone who waits until age 70 to claim.

From MarketWatch

Given the added benefit of Social Security’s annual cost-of-living-adjustment, known as the COLA, waiting to claim your benefits may also help protect you against inflation.

From MarketWatch

Typically, he said, “confidential” information governed by a protective order refers to sensitive data like trade secrets or personal information, such as Social Security numbers and health records.

From Los Angeles Times