Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement security in the United States, providing monthly income to retirees, disabled workers, and surviving family members. While the program covers the vast majority of American workers, eligibility is not universal. Under current federal law, two specific groups are generally excluded from receiving Social Security benefits permanently, regardless of age or financial need.
Here is a clear explanation of who they are and why they do not qualify.
If your spouse dies, you could get up to half of your deceased spouse’s benefit amount and may be eligible for Medicare based on their work history. Learn more https://t.co/Z8iHpgjgN6. pic.twitter.com/8tL2pucRRO
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) January 22, 2026
1. Workers Who Never Paid Into Social Security
Social Security is an earned benefit, not an automatic entitlement. To qualify for retirement benefits, workers must earn at least 40 work credits, which usually requires about 10 years of employment in jobs covered by Social Security taxes.
Some workers, however, spend their entire careers in positions not covered by Social Security.
This group mainly includes certain state and local government employees, such as:
-
Teachers
-
Police officers
-
Firefighters
-
Municipal and public safety workers
In some states and municipalities, these employees are enrolled in separate public pension systems instead of Social Security. Because they do not pay Social Security payroll taxes, they generally do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.
While some individuals in this group may still qualify if they worked long enough in private-sector or covered employment, those who never paid into the system at all will not receive benefits, even after decades of public service.
2. Individuals Without Lawful Authorization to Work in the U.S.
Another group excluded under current law includes individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States and therefore cannot earn valid Social Security credits.
To receive benefits, a person must:
-
Have a valid Social Security number
-
Earn credits through lawful employment
-
Meet all eligibility requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
Even if payroll taxes were withheld from wages due to incorrect or invalid documentation, benefits cannot be paid unless the worker meets legal eligibility standards. Without lawful work authorization and a verified earnings record, Social Security payments are not permitted.
As a result, individuals who worked without authorization and cannot establish legal eligibility are permanently barred from receiving benefits under existing rules.
Why These Exclusions Exist
Social Security functions as a contributory insurance program, meaning benefits are directly tied to:
-
Legal employment
-
Payroll tax contributions
-
Verified earnings history
The program is designed to ensure that those who pay into the system receive support, while maintaining strict rules to protect the integrity of the trust funds.
The Bottom Line
Under current U.S. law, two groups generally will never receive Social Security benefits:
-
Workers who never paid Social Security taxes, including some state and local government employees covered by alternative pension systems.
-
Individuals without lawful work authorization, who cannot earn valid Social Security credits.
Unless Congress changes the law, these exclusions remain permanent — regardless of age, income, or personal circumstances.
