money that the government pays regularly to people who are poor, unemployed, sick, etc.
Example:
- to live on social security
- social security payments
Extra examples:
- He's out of work and on social security.
- If you are unemployed you can claim social security.
- plans to improve social security provision for single parents
(in the US) a system in which people pay money regularly to the government when they are working and receive payments from the government when they are unable to work, especially when they are sick or too old to work
Example:
- He has paid into Social Security throughout his 35-year career.
Extra examples:
- All people in work pay social security contributions.
- My wife and I are retired and depend on Social Security.
- Teachers can get Social Security if they work in private industry.
- The current Social Security tax of 6.2% on workers.
- You need ID such as a birth certificate or Social Security card.
- a list of workers' Social Security numbers
- the plan to privatize Social Security
Related words and phrases