Do Non-U.S. Citizens Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
Most Social Security benefits have as a requirement for eligibility to be considered either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the United States. However, some of these programs have exceptions to these regulations, and under certain circumstances give benefits to people who are noncitizens because they meet other program requirements.
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Supplemental Security Income
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Supplemental Security Income pays benefits to people who have low income and need help paying for basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter. The Supplemental Security Income program has exceptions that allow people who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the country to get benefits. To be an eligible noncitizen, you must have been lawfully living in the country on Aug. 22, 1996 (having been lawfully admitted into the country on that date or prior to it) and you must be disabled or blind. If you were receiving SSI benefits in 1996, you qualify to keep your benefits. Your income must meet the limits for each state, and you are required to have paid Social Security tax.
Medicare
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Medicare is a health insurance programs that helps eligible members pay for medical and hospital costs. If you are a noncitizen, you are not entitled to receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) for free or to purchase it. However, you might be able to purchase Part B (medical insurance) without the need for having Part A. You can purchase Medicare Part B if you are a noncitizen who was legally admitted to the country and if you have lived in the U.S. for at least five consecutive years. You must also be older than 65 years of age. If you purchase Part B, you might be able to purchase Part D (prescription drugs coverage) as well.
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Disability Benefits
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The only requirements to receive disability benefits are that you must have a severe disability that makes you unable to work and you must have paid Social Security tax. Noncitiznes who are legally working in the U.S. must pay Social Security tax as any other American citizen does. If you become disabled while living in the U.S., you might be able to get disability benefits based on your condition and Social Security credits. To find out if you qualify, go to the Social Security website or call the Social Security office in the state where you live.
Social Security Number
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To qualify to receive benefits from most of these Social Security programs as a noncitizen, you must be working and paying Social Security tax. To legally work in the U.S., you need to have a Social Security number and a work permit from the the Department of Homeland Security. Apply for a Social Security number when you apply for your visa or visit a Social Security office in person.
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