Permanent residents can receive Social Security benefits, but the path depends on your work history and which benefit you're seeking.

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you can receive Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits — the same benefits U.S. citizens receive. The Social Security Administration does not require citizenship to collect these benefits. What matters is whether you have earned enough work credits through payroll taxes.

However, some permanent residents face restrictions on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources. SSI has stricter rules about immigration status, and not all permanent residents may have access to. This distinction matters because the two programs work differently and have different requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent residents who have worked and paid Social Security taxes can receive retirement and disability benefits based on their own earnings record.
  • You need 40 work credits (roughly 10 years of work) to receive retirement benefits, and fewer credits for disability benefits depending on your age.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has stricter immigration rules and is not available to all permanent residents, even if they have low income.
  • Your benefit amount is based on your earnings history, not your immigration status, and does not change if you become a citizen later.

Social Security retirement benefits for permanent residents

To receive Social Security retirement benefits, you must have earned at least 40 work credits by paying into the system through payroll taxes. One work credit is earned for each $1,640 of wages in 2023 (the amount changes yearly). Most people earn four credits per year, so 40 credits typically takes about 10 years of work.

Your permanent resident status does not affect this calculation. The Social Security Administration looks only at your earnings record — the W-2 wages or self-employment income you reported to the IRS. If you worked legally and paid taxes, those years count toward your benefit, regardless of when you became a permanent resident.

You can begin receiving retirement benefits at age 62, though your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). If you delay claiming until age 70, your benefit increases by about 8 percent per year.

Social Security disability benefits for permanent residents

Permanent residents with a medical condition that prevents work may receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have earned enough work credits. The number of credits required depends on your age when you become disabled, but generally ranges from 20 to 40 credits.

To receive SSDI, you must have a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and you must be unable to work. The Social Security Administration evaluates your medical records and work history. Your permanent resident status does not factor into this decision.

Family members may also receive benefits on your SSDI record — your spouse at age 62 or any age if caring for a child under 16, and your unmarried children under 19 (or 19 if still in high school). These family members do not need to be permanent residents or citizens.

Survivor benefits available to permanent residents

If you die, your permanent resident status does not prevent your family from receiving survivor benefits. Your spouse, children, and dependent parents may receive monthly payments based on your earnings record.

Your widow or widower can receive benefits at age 60 (or 50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for your child under 16. Your unmarried children under 19 (or 19 if in high school) and dependent parents age 62 or older also may have access to. These family members do not need to be permanent residents or U.S. citizens.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and permanent resident restrictions

SSI is a separate program from Social Security retirement and disability benefits. It provides monthly payments to people age 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have very low income and few resources. Unlike Social Security benefits, which are based on your work history, SSI is a needs-based program.

Most permanent residents became may be able to access for SSI on the date they received their green card, and they can continue receiving it. However, some permanent residents — those who arrived after August 22, 1996 — face a 5-year waiting period before they can receive SSI. After five years, they become may be able to access.

Permanent residents who lose their status or are deported generally lose SSI may be able to access when ready. If you are concerned about your specific situation, contact your local Social Security office or a legal aid organization that handles immigration matters.

How to report your permanent resident status to Social Security

When you explore for Social Security benefits, you will need to provide proof of your permanent resident status. Bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) or a copy of it. The Social Security Administration will verify your status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

If you are explore in person at a Social Security office, bring your green card, proof of age (birth certificate or passport), and proof of U.S. residence (utility bill or lease). If you are explore online or by phone, you will be asked to provide your green card number and other identifying information.

You do not need to be a citizen to open a Social Security account or receive a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can request one at your local Social Security office or through the online process process.

What happens to your benefits if you become a citizen

Your Social Security benefit amount does not change if you become a U.S. citizen. The benefit is based on your earnings history, which was established while you were a permanent resident. Citizenship does not increase or decrease your monthly payment.

If you were receiving SSI as a permanent resident, your may be able to access and payment amount also do not change when you become a citizen. However, becoming a citizen may affect other benefits you receive, such as Medicaid or food information, so check with those programs separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose Social Security benefits if I move outside the United States?

Permanent residents who move abroad can continue receiving Social Security retirement and disability benefits. However, you must report your address to Social Security and may need to complete a form each year confirming you are still alive. Some countries have restrictions on payment, so contact Social Security before you move to confirm your benefits will continue.

Can I receive benefits from both my home country and the United States?

Yes, you may be able to receive benefits from both countries if you worked in both. Some countries have agreements with the United States that allow your work credits to be combined. Contact the Social Security Administration or the social security office in your home country to learn whether a totalization agreement exists.

What if I worked without a Social Security number when I first arrived?

If you worked and paid taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you received your green card, those earnings may still count toward Social Security benefits. Contact Social Security with your work history and tax records so they can review your account and add any missing earnings.

Can my family members in my home country receive survivor benefits?

Your family members outside the United States may receive survivor benefits if they meet the relationship and age requirements. However, payment rules vary by country, and some countries have limits on how much can be paid abroad. Contact Social Security to discuss your family's specific situation.

Do I need to report my permanent resident status each year?

You do not need to report your permanent resident status annually to Social Security. However, if your status changes — such as if you become a citizen or lose your green card — you should notify Social Security. You may also need to complete a Continued Residence Report if Social Security requests one.