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

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 SNP, which has been in government in Scotland since 2007, has also increased spending on social security.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In recent years Scotland has struck out on a different path to the rest of the UK when it comes to income tax and social security.

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

Typing my social security number and not finding my name in the database that evening was a weird sort of relief.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera