In 2025, with President Donald Trump returning to the White House for a second term, a number of doubts arise among immigrants from various countries 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 certain circumstances, but there are many details to be aware of. We will explain everything in simple terms 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 cousin who helps you when you’re in trouble: it’s intended for adults over the age of 65, people with disabilities, or those with low incomes (regardless of age).
The curious 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 specific, non-negotiable requirements.
So, why are we talking about immigrants? The SSI is open to foreigners, but with a key condition: the “7-year rule.” Basically, you can receive these payments for seven years if your immigration status falls 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 receive 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 comes the plot twist: even if you fall into one of these categories, you need to meet at least one of these extra requirements in order 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 just 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, gather 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 the documents when you apply, the SSA gives you a reasonable amount of time so that you can gradually add the documents as you obtain them.
The clock doesn’t stop: what happens when the 7 years are up
Here comes the serious part. When there are six months left until your benefit ends, the SSA sends you a letter with the exact date of the last payment. What to do then? You have two options:
- 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 the cool tip: if you are receiving SSI, you can ask to be exempt from the fees for these procedures. Take advantage! The N-400 fee, for example, is $725, but with the exemption, you save that money.
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