social security

[ soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee ]

noun

1. Usually Social Security. a program of old-age, unemployment, health, disability, and survivors insurance maintained by the U.S. federal government through compulsory payments by specific employer and employee groups. Compare OASDI ( def ).
2. the theory or practice of providing economic security and social welfare for the individual through government programs maintained by funds from public taxation.

social security

noun

1. public provision for the economic, and sometimes social, welfare of the aged, unemployed, etc, esp through pensions and other monetary assistance
2. often capitals a government programme designed to provide such assistance

Word History and Origins

Origin of social security¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

She is 73, retired from the custom window covering business she and her husband ran together, and was thrilled by Trump’s campaign promise to end taxation of Social Security benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

But George learned that to do so, she would have to spend most of her Social Security check on medical expenses, leaving her just $600 a month to survive in her Hollywood apartment.

From Los Angeles Times

In Hollywood, George said that she receives less than $2,900 a month through Social Security — a modest income but significantly above the Medi-Cal cutoff.

From Los Angeles Times

“I said, ‘Just a minute, are you telling me to get rid of some of my Social Security benefits?’”

From Los Angeles Times

Maria retired as the longtime owner of a diner and her Social Security checks and her husband’s pension put her over the Medi-Cal income limit.

From Los Angeles Times