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

The social security budget this year was £7.4bn and is forecast to hit £9.2bn by 2030-31.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Beijing’s Five-Year Plan emphasizes public well-being and social security, signaling a shift towards structural reforms.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The slice of the population claiming social security support because of a disability is rising across the UK but the increase is quicker in Scotland where disability benefits are designed to be easier to access.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

It will also favor workers overall, they argue—the country’s rigid labor laws have forced some 40% of Argentina’s workers to operate in the informal economy, without contracts or social security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

It contained her new driver’s license, social security card, work permit, and all the cash she had.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John