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Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens

September 4, 2014 by Thomas Geygan

Social Security Disability Claim FormThe Social Security program provides monthly cash benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers, their dependents, and survivors. Generally, a worker must have 10 years of Social Security-covered employment to be eligible for retirement benefits (less time is required for disability and survivor benefits). Most jobs in the United States are covered under Social Security. Noncitizens (aliens) who work in Social Security-covered employment must pay Social Security payroll taxes, including those who are in the United States working temporarily and those working in the United States without authorization. There are some exceptions. Generally, the work of aliens who are citizens of a country with which the United States has a “totalization agreement,” coordinating the payment of Social Security taxes and benefits for workers who divide their careers between two countries, is not covered if they work in the United States for less than five years. In addition, by statute, the work of aliens under certain visa categories is not covered by Social Security.

The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-203) requires an alien whose application for benefits is based on a Social Security Number (SSN) issued January 1, 2004, or later to have work authorization at the time an SSN is assigned, or at any later time, to gain insured status under the Social Security program. Aliens whose applications are based on SSNs issued before January 1, 2004, have all Social Security-covered earnings counted toward insured status, regardless of their work authorization status. In addition, the Social Security Act prohibits the payment of benefits to aliens in the United States who are not “lawfully present,” but under certain circumstances, alien workers and dependents/survivors may receive benefits while residing outside the United States (including benefits based on unauthorized work).

Social Security and Immigration are very specialized areas of law; be sure your attorney focuses his or her practice on these areas and helping people like you. We focus our practice on helping helping people just like you. You can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com.

We will gently walk you through the legal process, answer your questions, analyze your case, and aggressively fight for your legal rights. We look forward to your call or email.

Filed Under: Reform/New Laws, Soap Box

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