Can Non-U.S. Citizens Receive Social Security Payments? Yes, But Under These Conditions

Some non-US citizens may receive payments through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to meet specific immigration, work, and financial conditions to qualify for this benefit.

Why it matters: The United States is home to millions of permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and other immigration categories that may qualify for certain government benefits.

Understanding the rules can help prevent mistakes when applying for assistance and clarify who may receive financial support from the federal government.

Non-US Citizens Can Receive Social Security Payments Under Certain Requirements

The SSA explains that most non-citizens must meet two basic conditions to be considered eligible for SSI.

First, they must belong to an immigration category recognized by law.

Second, they must meet at least one additional requirement that allows access to the program.

In addition, like any applicant, they must also meet the program’s general rules regarding income, financial resources, and other eligibility criteria.

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Important: Immigration categories that may be considered include lawful permanent residents, refugees, people granted asylum, certain Afghan and Iraqi immigrants, some humanitarian parole beneficiaries, and other classifications authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Additional Conditions Required by the SSA

Belonging to an eligible immigration category does not automatically guarantee access to SSI.

The SSA states that applicants must also meet at least one additional condition.

These include having legally resided in the United States before August 22, 1996, under certain circumstances; having received SSI benefits on that date; earning enough work credits; or having connections to the US Armed Forces.

There may also be special rules for members of federally recognized Native American tribes, Canadian-born Indigenous people, and victims of severe forms of human trafficking.

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The agency emphasizes that other cases may qualify and recommends contacting Social Security directly to review each individual situation.

Work Credits Can Make a Difference

One of the most important factors for some non-US citizens is their employment history accumulated in the United States.

The SSA explains that a person can earn work credits based on their income over the years.

These credits are also used to determine eligibility for certain Social Security programs and may help some non-citizens meet requirements for SSI.

In some cases, work credits earned by a spouse or parent may also be considered when determining eligibility.

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Documentation Is Essential

The SSA requires proof demonstrating the applicant’s immigration status.

Documents that may be requested include immigration forms issued by the Department of Homeland Security, permanent resident cards, or court documents related to asylum or immigration protection.

Individuals who have served in the US Armed Forces may also need to provide additional military documentation.

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What Comes Next

Eligibility for Social Security benefits for non-US citizens depends on a combination of immigration status, employment history, and financial circumstances.

Although some immigrants may access these payments, the rules are strict and vary depending on each individual case.

For this reason, the SSA recommends that anyone with questions contact the agency directly to verify whether they meet current requirements and learn which documents they must submit.