social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkjʊər 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

See Examples For:

social security

Immigration advocates have said the man, who has not yet been officially named but identified in US media as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, was authorised to work in the US and had a social security number.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

The accounts named after the president are available nationwide and can be created for anyone under the age of 18 with a valid social security number.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

Both rich and poorer countries are grappling with declining birth rates which lead to aging societies and a shrinking workforce -- putting strain on social security systems and potentially dampening economic growth and productivity.

From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 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

“Humph, every cent. You won’t even have no social security if you’re dead. Better not die, that’s all I got to say.”

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson