Immigrants and Social Security: Eligibility Explained
Many immigrants wonder whether they are eligible for Social Security benefits in the United States, and if so, what steps they need to take. The good news is that noncitizens, under specific conditions, can qualify for Social Security benefits. However, eligibility requirements vary depending on factors like immigration status, work history, and international agreements. Let’s break down the key points to help clarify who can receive benefits and how immigrants can navigate the system. Basic Social Security Eligibility for Immigrants To qualify for Social Security benefits, immigrants must generally accumulate at least 40 work credits, which typically equates to about 10 years of work in the U.S. Immigrants who have legally worked and paid into the Social Security system during their time in the U.S. are entitled to the same benefits as U.S. citizens when they retire, become disabled, or in cases where they pass away and their dependents need to claim survivor benefits. If an im...