social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, Social Security : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

began collecting social security

Examples of social security in a Sentence

She is living on social security.

He began collecting Social Security checks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Baddies will deceptively take advantage of them by asking for credit card numbers, social security numbers, and the like. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Trump proposed modifying the SALT cap, exempting social security benefits from tax, doing away with taxes on tips and overtime, doing away with double taxation for Americans living abroad, creating a deduction for interest on auto loans, as well as creating a credit for family caregivers. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

In September, an unauthorized party obtained member information — including names, social security numbers and health insurance and medical details — through an email phishing attack. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024

All federal offices, including courts, post offices, social security offices and others, will be closed. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

social security

noun

1

: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families

2

capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

Legal Definition

social security

noun

1

: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family

especially, often capitalized both Ss : a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance

2

: money paid out through a social security program

collects social security

see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration