Is it possible to receive monthly Social Security payments if I am an immigrant?
Each month, the SSA sends out Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, but are immigrants eligible too? We explain to you.
Every month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends money to millions of people in the United States, including retired workers, survivors, as well as beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
According to what is established by the agency, to be eligible for Social Security benefits as a worker, in general terms, a person must be 62 years or older, or be a person with a disability or blindness and, of course, have a Social Security Number.
In addition, you must have the necessary “work credits,” but can workers or people who are immigrants be eligible for monthly Social Security payments? We explain to you.
Can immigrants receive Social Security payments?
For claims filed on or after December 1, 1996, you must be a U.S. citizen if you want to receive Social Security benefits. However, some noncitizens or immigrants may also be eligible.
The SSA notes that “lawfully present non-citizens of the United States who meet all eligibility requirements may qualify for Social Security benefits.” For example, those foreigners who have a permanent residence card, also known as a Green Card.
This rule also applies to noncitizens authorized to work in the United States who obtained a Social Security number after December 2003.
On the other hand, some noncitizens may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the eligibility requirements for SSI are different from those for Social Security benefits.
You may be interested in: These beneficiaries will receive two Social Security payments in August, November and December
How can you apply for a Social Security Number?
To work in the United States and eventually be eligible for monthly Social Security payments, you will need a Social Security card that has your Social Security number. There are several ways to obtain a Social Security card:
- The easiest way is to apply for it as part of your immigration process. Here the details.
- When applying for work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and applying for a Social Security card from Social Security.
For more information, visit the Social Security Administration web portal or consult with an immigration expert.
Social Security: how much money is sent each month?
In 2024, average payments for retired workers rose to just over $1,900, thanks to the cost of living adjustment (COLA). On the other hand, this is how much other average payments are in 2024:
- Surviving spouses with two children: $3,653.
- Surviving elderly and single spouses: $1,773.
- Workers with a disability, their spouse, and one or more children: $2,720.
- Workers with a disability: $1,537.
It should be noted that these figures are approximate and the exact amount will depend on various factors, including retirement age.
For example, those who retire at age 62 can receive up to $2,710 a month, while those who delay their retirement to age 65 can get up to $3,426. Beneficiaries who wait until age 66 can receive up to $3,652 and those who wait until age 70 can receive a maximum payment of $4,873.
In the case of Supplemental Security Income the maximum benefit has risen to $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.