Who can receive Social Security and Medicare benefits
To receive Social Security or Medicare, you must have a valid Social Security number and a documented immigration status that allows you to work in the United States. Undocumented immigrants do not meet these requirements and cannot receive either benefit, even if they have paid taxes.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires proof of lawful presence to issue a Social Security number in the first place. Without that number, you cannot build a work record that leads to benefits later. Medicare, which is tied to Social Security may be able to access, follows the same rule.
This applies regardless of how long someone has lived in the country, how much they have paid in taxes, or whether they have family members who are citizens or permanent residents.
Key Takeaways
- Undocumented immigrants cannot receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits because they do not have the required legal immigration status.
- Medicare is not available to undocumented immigrants, even if they are over 65 or have paid payroll taxes.
- Some states and localities offer health coverage programs to undocumented immigrants that are separate from Medicare and do not require a Social Security number.
- Undocumented immigrants who work using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) pay taxes but cannot later claim the benefits those taxes would normally fund.
- Certain immigration statuses — such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) — may allow access to a Social Security number and future benefits, depending on work authorization.
How immigration status affects Social Security may be able to access
The SSA will only issue a Social Security number to someone who can prove lawful immigration status. This means having a visa, green card, work permit, or other document showing the federal government has authorized your presence and right to work in the country.
Even if you have lived and worked in the United States for decades, undocumented status blocks you from getting a number. Once you have a number, you build a work record by paying payroll taxes. That record is what determines your future Social Security benefits — but only if your immigration status remains lawful or becomes lawful before you reach retirement age.
If you worked under a false or borrowed Social Security number, that work does not count toward your official record. The SSA cannot transfer those earnings to a legitimate number later.
What happens if you worked and paid taxes without authorization
Many undocumented immigrants work and have taxes withheld from their paychecks. Some use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to file tax returns. The money still goes to the federal government, but it does not create a Social Security work record that you can later claim.
You cannot recover those taxes or redirect them toward benefits. The money becomes part of the general revenue pool. This is one of the most difficult aspects of working without authorization — you contribute to a system you cannot draw from.
If you file taxes using an ITIN, keep copies of your returns. If your immigration status changes in the future, having a record of your tax history may be useful for other purposes, though it will not retroactively create Social Security credits.
Immigration statuses that may allow Social Security access
Some forms of legal status do allow you to get a Social Security number and build toward benefits. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders can work and get a Social Security number. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients also receive work authorization and can obtain a Social Security number.
If you have TPS or DACA, you can work legally and pay into Social Security. Your work record counts. However, your future access to benefits depends on whether your status remains valid or converts to permanent residency or citizenship by the time you reach retirement age.
Other statuses that may include work authorization — such as U visas (for crime victims) or T visas (for trafficking survivors) — also allow Social Security numbers. The key is having documented work authorization at the time you explore for the number.
State and local health programs for undocumented immigrants
Although Medicare is not available, some states and cities offer health coverage to undocumented immigrants through their own programs. These are separate from federal Medicare and do not require a Social Security number.
California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. have programs that cover some or all undocumented residents. Coverage varies — some programs cover emergency care only, while others include primary care and preventive services. may be able to access usually depends on income and residency in that state or city.
To learn what is available where you live, contact your local health department or a community health center. Many community organizations also help people understand what programs exist in their area.
What to do if your immigration status changes
If you become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) or U.S. citizen, you can explore for a Social Security number if you do not already have one. You can also update your record if you previously worked without authorization.
When you explore for a Social Security number after gaining legal status, bring your immigration documents (green card, naturalization certificate, or other proof of status) to your local Social Security office. You will also need a photo ID and proof of age.
If you worked before gaining legal status, that earlier work generally does not count toward your Social Security record. Your record begins when you first have a valid Social Security number. However, if you worked under a number that was later found to be invalid, the SSA may be able to help you in some cases — contact your local office to discuss your specific situation.
How to find local resources and information
If you are undocumented and need health care, contact a community health center or your local health department. Many offer services regardless of immigration status and can tell you what programs exist in your area.
If you have questions about your specific situation — for example, if your status is changing or you are unsure what category you fall into — you can speak with an immigration attorney or a legal aid organization. Many offer free or low-cost consultations.
The SSA itself cannot change the rules about who gets a Social Security number, but local Social Security offices can answer questions about what documents you would need if your status were to change in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Medicare if I am undocumented and over 65?
No. Medicare requires a valid Social Security number and lawful immigration status. Age alone does not make you may be able to access. Some states offer separate health programs for older undocumented immigrants — contact your local health department to learn what is available where you live.
If I worked and paid taxes with a fake Social Security number, can I claim those earnings later?
No. Work done under an invalid or false number does not create a legitimate Social Security record. Those earnings cannot be transferred to a real number or claimed later, even if you gain legal status. Only work done under a valid Social Security number counts toward your record.
What if I have DACA — can I get Social Security benefits?
DACA holders can get a Social Security number and work legally, so they can build a Social Security record. However, future access to benefits depends on whether DACA status continues or converts to permanent residency or citizenship by retirement age. Your work record counts only as long as your status allows you to work.
Will explore for a Social Security number put me at risk of deportation?
This is a question for an immigration attorney, as the answer depends on your specific situation and current immigration status. If you have legal status or work authorization, explore for a Social Security number is part of normal employment. If your status is undocumented, consult with a legal aid organization before taking any action.
Are there any federal programs that help undocumented immigrants with health care costs?
Federal Medicare and Medicaid are not available to undocumented immigrants. However, some states have created their own programs using state funds. California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. have programs that cover some health services. Contact your state health department or a community health center to learn what exists in your area.