Timeline
The System Today
Coverage
Payroll Taxes
Trust Funds
Payment Levels
Eligibility
Conclusion

What is Social Security?

11/29/99: Who Killed Social Security Reform?   (more)

11/5/99: Less Visible Burdens of Social Security   (more)

11/4/99: Clinton's Squandered Legacy   (more)

10/6/99: Senator Kerrey Rips Congress over Social Security   (more)

9/30/99: Your SS Check is in the Mail ... Honest!!   (more)

9/29/99: In Social Security Debate, Political Symbolism Still Rules   (more)

9/99: The Union Campaign Against Social Security Reform   (more)

9/14/99: Union Members Strongly Support IRAs Despite Union Leaders' Campaign   (more)

9/14/99: Crunch Time for Social Security   (more)

9/10/99: New Zogby Poll: Large Pluralities Support Privatization   (more)

Coverage

Ninety-five percent of workers, or 135 million people, are covered by the system. In addition to workers in the U.S. and territories, the system covers work done by U.S. citizens and resident aliens outside of the U.S. who are:

  • Employed by an American employer;
  • Employed by an American affiliate who has elected coverage;
  • Self-employed (in certain circumstances).
Workers who are excluded from coverage include:
  • Federal civilian employees hired before 1984;
  • Railroad workers who are covered by the Railroad Retirement System;
  • Some state and local government employees;
  • Household and farm workers whose earning don't meet certain minimum requirements;
  • Self-employed workers whose earnings are very low;
  • Some children who work in family businesses;
  • Some people who, for religious reasons, are granted exemptions.

NEXT: Payroll Taxes