In 2025, with President Donald Trump returning to the White House for a second term, a number of uncertainties arise among immigrants from many nations who have recently lived and worked in the United States, as well as those who have done so for years, if not decades.
Although it may not appear so, the government does provide temporary financial assistance in some circumstances, but there are many subtleties to be aware of. We will explain everything in simple words so that you know exactly how to apply for Social Security benefits as an immigrant.
What is this Social Security thing about, and why does it matter?
The terms Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may sound similar, but they are not. SSI is like a good-natured relative who helps you when you’re in trouble: it’s intended for adults over the age of 65, persons with impairments, or those with low incomes (regardless of age).
The strange thing is that, unlike other programs, you do not need to have worked in the United States or paid into Social Security. Of course, you must meet stringent, non-negotiable conditions.
So, why are we talking about immigrants? Because the SSI is open to foreigners, but with one essential condition: the “7-year rule.” Basically, you can receive these payments for seven years if your immigration status fits into certain categories. The joke ends there, unless you continue your legal stay.
The famous “7-year rule”: what does it say and who does it apply to?
Consider this benefit as a time loan. You have seven years to get financial assistance (a few hundred dollars per month, depending on your situation) while you resolve your immigration issues.
But be careful; it is not for everyone. To qualify, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must identify you in one of these categories:
- Permanent resident (yes, green card holders are on the list).
- Refugee or asylum (if you were accepted due to persecution in your country).
- On parole (no, it’s not jail; it’s a temporary permit to be in the US).
- Victim of human trafficking (with T-Visa status or similar).
Special cases:
- Afghans or Iraqis with special status.
- Ukrainians on humanitarian parole.
- Native Americans born in Canada or members of recognized tribes.
- Amerasian immigrants (yes, it’s a real category).
And here’s the plot twist: even if you fall into one of these groups, you must meet at least one of these additional conditions to be considered eligible:
- You were living legally in the US since August 22, 1996 and you are also blind or have a disability.
- You received SSI before 1996 and are still living legally in the country.
- You have 40 work credits (or your spouse/parents count). Credits? Each year worked in the US gives you up to 4 credits. That is, 10 years of work = 40 credits.
- You are a military veteran, on active duty, or are an immediate family member of one.
- You are part of a federally recognized indigenous group.
More things to know to correctly apply for Social Security benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not merely hand out money. They will examine everything, including your immigration status, income, assets (such as property or savings), and even your employment history. Therefore, before applying, obtain these documents:
- Proof of immigration status (green card, asylum document, etc.).
- Pay stubs or tax returns (to prove low income).
- Work history (if you use your family’s credits, bring their documents too).
- Medical reports (if you apply for disability).
If you do not have all of the documents when you apply, the SSA allows you a reasonable length of time to gradually add them as you receive them.
The clock doesn’t stop: what happens when the 7 years are up
Now comes the important part. When your benefit is about to expire in six months, the Social Security Administration sends you a letter with the exact date of the last payment. What should I do then? You have two choices:
- Accelerate your citizenship: If you already meet the requirements, submit Form N-400 (it is the naturalization form).
- Adjust your immigration status: With Form I-485, you can change to permanent resident or another category.
And here’s a cool tip: if you receive SSI, you can request an exemption from the fees for these procedures. Take advantage! The N-400 charge, for example, is $725; however, with the exemption, you save that much.
