Trump has made it clear — immigrants won’t collect Social Security in 2025 without filing these documents with the SSA

Social Security represents, in the context of U.S. economic welfare, one of the most essential institutions. It is the safety net for millions of people, including in those millions people with legal immigration status, such as those who hold permanent residency. This Social Security is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, for ample reason, is designed to provide a safety net precisely at critical times in life, such as retirement, disability, or the death of a family’s primary breadwinner.

For immigrants with Green Cards, access to these benefits requires meeting a set of criteria to ensure that they have contributed to the system and that their immigration status is recognized as lawful.

Who can receive Social Security benefits?

The Social Security program is intended to assist the most vulnerable segments of the population. Although the eligibility criteria are well delimited in order to prevent the resources from reaching people who do not need them or who have financed them themselves through their own work. This is intended to include:

1. Retired workers.
   People who have worked and paid Social Security taxes have accumulated the required work credits to be able to receive the corresponding benefits when it is time to retire. The SSA establishes that the minimum age to begin receiving partial Social Security benefits is 62, although the so-called full retirement age varies, depending on the date of birth, between 66 and 67.Social Security accounts in economic terms for 33% of the average U.S. retiree’s income, a percentage that may be higher for the lowest-income among immigrants. In addition, choosing to withdraw benefits before full retirement age means that the monthly amount decreases by 25%-30%, depending on how many years are withdrawn early.
2. People with Disabilities
   Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is intended for those who are unable to work as a result of a significant medical disability, discouraging a return to work. According to SSA data (2023), more than 8 million people received SSDI during the year, constituting a significant portion of the SSDI budget.An important note is that, in order to be eligible, not only must one demonstrate a medical disability, but one must also have worked and contributed to the system in at least 20 of the last 40 quarters (i.e., 5 of the last 10 years).
3. Survivors of affiliated workers
   The benefit program also includes family members of deceased workers who have contributed to Social Security, including spouses, children under the age of 18 or full-time students under the age of 19 and, in some situations, dependent parents over the age of 62.
4. Low-income families
   For families with severe financial problems, Social Security can be supplemented by other programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides extra financial assistance to cover basic needs.

Important eligibility requirements for Social Security for permanent residents

The SSA sets out clear conditions for permanent residents. These are explored in more detail below.

1. Social Security Number (SSN):
   The Social Security Number is more than just a requirement, it is the door that must be opened in order to get the income system. The number that appears as a tax identifier is precisely related to the income you report and the corresponding contributions you report to Social Security.Technicality: If you obtained your Green Card through a recent process, the SSN is usually issued automatically. However, if this did not occur, you will need to apply for it by providing documents such as your Form I-551 (Green Card), foreign passport, and valid visa.
2. Work credits:
   Work credits serve to illustrate your history of contributions to the system, managing to generate up to four credits per year based on earnings. In 2024, having worked while earning an income of $1,640 means having been able to earn a credit.Financial analysis: The accumulation of credits means both being able to achieve, as is clear, a good work history, and being able to generate the amount of benefits you will receive. An analysis of SSA estimates suggests that an average income of $60,000 a year, accumulated over 35 years, can mean monthly benefits of about $2,500 at retirement.
3. Contribution history:
   Benefits, such as SSDI, are a result of the number and length of time during which you made contributions. While important, the SSA also looks at regularity and recent work time, particularly for people under age 31, since fewer credits are needed for this group to get coverage.
4. Application process and documentation:
   The application process is done through the SSA online portal or directly at a local office. The official portal provides tools to calculate your benefits and verify your accumulated credits.Key documents:
   • Green Card or any valid permanent residency document.
   • Evidence of income, such as W-2 forms or tax returns.
   • Medical proof if applying for disability benefits.

When an immigrant works with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and subsequently obtains their Social Security Number (SSN), they have the opportunity to request that this income be transferred to the account associated with their SSN. This is in order not to lose work credits.

Joining Social Security as an immigrant requires planning, documentation, and an accurate understanding of the specific requirements, however, the benefits that can be gained from Social Security can serve as a foundation for retirement, medical emergencies, or unforeseen household problems.

For more information and additional resources, check out the official SSA website: https://www.ssa.gov. You can also check out this resource for immigrants: SSA for Immigrants.