February 26th, 2024 at 12:38 am

Social Security & Medicare Benefits For Immigrants in the US 2024

Among the publicly funded benefits that American workers look forward to receiving in retirement are Social Security and Medicare. Throughout a career, these programs are typically funded by employees and their companies. Generally speaking, immigrants who have held legal employment in the US are eligible for the same benefits.

As long as they fulfill the eligibility standards, immigrants are eligible to receive Medicare and Social Security benefits. The two programs have different goals, albeit having certain similarities. While Medicare offers health insurance to senior citizens, Social Security primarily provides retirement income. These benefits are utilized by a large number of US citizens, permanent residents, and even some non-immigrant workers.

Social Security is not an Employment Authorization

Many new immigrants to the country mistakenly believe that Social Security is a type of work authorization. The ability to work in the US is not granted by a Social Security Number (SSN). Generally, an SSN can only be obtained by noncitizens who have been granted permission by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work in the country.

Although an SSN is typically required for employment, the ability to work is not granted by the SSN. SSNs are used to verify an individual’s eligibility for social security payments and to report an individual’s salary to the US government. When you apply for a green card or work permission in the US, you can normally get a social security number and card.

Stated differently, you will require a legal immigration status that enables you to work. The social security card request is connected with the Form I-765 application for employment authorization and the Form I-485 application to modify status in each of these situations.

Social Security Benefits

The US government pays some retirees and handicapped individuals, as well as their spouses, children, and survivors, through the Social Security Administration. The Social Security benefits program was created by Congress to offer older workers and their spouses, people whose spouse or qualified ex-spouse has passed away, and people who are disabled under certain circumstances a partial replacement income.

The beneficiaries’ children are also supported. People who have paid into the Social Security program during their working years are generally eligible to receive benefits. To obtain complete insurance, one must normally accrue 10 years, 40 quarters, or credits from insured wages. Because of this, most elderly immigrants to the country are not eligible for social security payments; however, younger immigrants who are employed are usually

Totalization Agreements

Several nations and the US have totalization agreements for Social Security. An agreement known as a totalization agreement is made between two nations to guarantee that employees do not pay social security taxes on the same income in two distinct nations. Additionally, it keeps people from receiving benefits twice.

Even if they haven’t accrued enough labor credits in the US, legal immigrants may still be eligible for social security payments if they have sufficient credits from another nation. The majority of immigrants who enter the country after they turn retirement age do not have the 40 US work credits needed to be eligible for Social Security.

However, under a totalization agreement with their countries of origin, individuals who can work lawfully in the US for a year and a half after arriving may be eligible to collect pro-rated US Social Security benefits.

The US has a totalization agreement with the following countries;

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovak Republic
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay

Collecting Social Security Abroad

Even if they decide to go back home, immigrants who have completed the required 40 labor credits while living in the United States are eligible for social security payments. If an immigrant has earned the benefit, they are eligible to collect US Social Security in another nation.

There are many intricate regulations and procedures within the social security system. A large number of foreign workers in the US are qualified to collect Social Security payments. It ought to be included in your retirement plan if you’ve earned it.

Medicare Benefits

For those 65 years of age or older, Medicare is the national health insurance program of the United States. Medicare benefits do not always cover all medical costs; they only assist with some of them. Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D are the several sections that cover different costs.

A Medicare supplement insurance Medigap policy can be purchased from a private insurance firm by beneficiaries who are covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. Certain expenses including co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles that Medicare does not cover are covered by Medigap. Medicare benefits may also be available to those with specific disabilities who are under 65.

Medicare benefits have different categories called parts;

• After a hospital visit, Part A hospital insurance helps cover the cost of short-term care in a skilled nursing facility or inpatient hospital treatment. It also includes hospice care and other at-home medical services.
• Part B medical insurance covers some preventative services, home health care, durable medical equipment, and services from physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Part D Prescription drug costs are partially covered by Medicare prescription drug coverage. It is exclusively managed by commercial insurance providers who abide by Medicare Part C regulations. Previously referred to as a Medicare Advantage plan, it offers all of the benefits and services provided by Parts A and B. Private insurance providers offer all of this combined into one plan.

Eligibility for Medicare Benefits for Immigrants

Medicare Part A may be available to US citizens and permanent residents who are 65 years of age or older. At age 65, the majority of persons qualify for part A at no cost if they meet one of the following requirements:

• You get Social Security payments or are eligible to receive them.
• Your spouse is eligible for or currently receives Social Security benefits, whether they are divorced or still alive.
• You or your partner put in enough time working for the government to be eligible for Medicare taxes.
• You are a dependent parent buying Medicare on behalf of a deceased child who was fully covered.

You might be eligible for Medicare per Day if you don’t fit any of the aforementioned requirements. Typically, you can only get this coverage by paying a monthly premium during specific enrollment periods.

Permanent residents who are 65 years of age or older and do not fit the above eligibility requirements for free Medicare may be eligible to get coverage by fulfilling one of the following requirements:

Recent naturalization has made you a citizen of the United States.
You have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years.

New immigrants are therefore typically ineligible for Medicare benefits. If you have a green card, you will probably have to work for ten years to qualify for free Medicare, then you will have to wait five years to get Medicare.