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 SFC predicts that the overall funding gap for devolved social security benefits will reach £2bn by the same point.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

He also rejects the notion that there is a binary choice between providing well-paid employment and a decent safety net through the social security system.

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

The last four digits of her social security number.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day