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
These people need solutions to manage cash flows, reduce payday loan dependency and contribute to state pensions and social security systems.
—
Jack Thorogood, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Social Services helped the couple sort out their social security benefits, finish the application for their current apartment and furnish their new home.
—Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
File photo of social security cards and a $100 bill File photo of social security cards and a $100 bill Getty Images
What Happens Next
The SSA will continue issuing overpayment notices to affected recipients, with the first wave of 50 percent benefit withholding beginning in late July 2025.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Stagnant incomes, instability over job prospects and a poor social security system have dissuaded Chinese young people from having more babies.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for social security
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show current usage.
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Jack Thorogood, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
Social Services helped the couple sort out their social security benefits, finish the application for their current apartment and furnish their new home.
—Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
File photo of social security cards and a $100 bill File photo of social security cards and a $100 bill Getty Images
What Happens Next
The SSA will continue issuing overpayment notices to affected recipients, with the first wave of 50 percent benefit withholding beginning in late July 2025.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Stagnant incomes, instability over job prospects and a poor social security system have dissuaded Chinese young people from having more babies.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for social security
Cite this Entry
“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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