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

Between pensions and Social Security, Mitchum estimates she will have about $5,800 a month in fixed income postretirement.

From The Wall Street Journal

Carbonaro also recommends Mitchum delay taking Social Security until her full retirement age of 67 or later to maximize that benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal

The fear is especially acute for those supporting a family and too young for Social Security and Medicare.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said his $500 monthly Social Security check is not enough to pay rent in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Jessica Hahn interviewed a whistleblower who pointed to a potentially massive breach of the Social Security Administration’s personal data.

From MarketWatch