SSA Benefits for Immigrants in Norwalk: Social Security Guide for Green Card Holders
Understanding your Social Security eligibility and benefits
Quick Answer
Immigrants in Norwalk can access various Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits including retirement, disability, survivors benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Understanding eligibility requirements and application procedures is essential for maximizing your benefits.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Norwalk, located in Los Angeles County with easy access to the SSA field office, has a growing immigrant community that includes many long-term residents now eligible for Social Security benefits. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arabic-speaking immigrants understand and apply for SSA benefits.
Types of SSA Benefits for Immigrants
| Benefit Type | Basic Requirement | Immigration Status Required |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | 40 work credits (10 years) | Lawful status when working |
| Disability Benefits (SSDI) | Work credits based on age | Lawful status when working |
| Survivors Benefits | Deceased had sufficient credits | Lawful status to receive |
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Limited income/resources | Specific qualifying status |
| Medicare | 65+ or disability | 5 years permanent residence |
Social Security Retirement Benefits
• You need 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work)
• Credits must be earned while in lawful immigration status
• Benefits can be received even if you retire abroad (with some restrictions)
• Spouses may qualify for spousal benefits based on your work record
• You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62 (reduced) or full retirement age
SSDI: Disability Benefits for Immigrants
- •Must have worked and paid Social Security taxes
- •Number of credits needed depends on age at disability
- •Disability must be expected to last 12+ months or result in death
- •Must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity
- •Green card holders and work-authorized immigrants can qualify
- •Benefits continue regardless of immigration status changes (with some exceptions)
SSI: Supplemental Security Income
Qualifying Immigration Statuses for SSI:
• Refugees, asylees, and their derivatives (7-year limit from status grant)
• Lawful Permanent Residents with 40 qualifying work credits
• Certain battered spouses and children
• Victims of human trafficking
• Iraqi/Afghan Special Immigrants
• Some long-term LPRs receiving SSI before August 1996
SSI Requirements:
• Age 65+, blind, or disabled
• Limited income (less than federal benefit rate)
• Limited resources (under $2,000 individual, $3,000 couple)
• U.S. resident
The 40 Quarters Rule for SSI
• Work does not need to be continuous
• A quarter is earned by making approximately $1,730 in covered earnings (2026)
• Maximum 4 quarters can be earned per year
• Quarters earned by a spouse during marriage may count toward your total
• Military service may count toward quarters in some cases
Survivors Benefits for Immigrant Families
- •Widows/widowers age 60 or older (50 if disabled)
- •Widows/widowers caring for deceased's child under 16
- •Unmarried children under 18 (19 if in school)
- •Disabled children (if disability began before 22)
- •Dependent parents age 62 or older
Medicare for Immigrants
Part A (Hospital Insurance):
• Age 65+ with 40 work credits, OR
• Receiving Social Security disability for 24 months, OR
• End-stage renal disease or ALS
• Must be lawful permanent resident for 5+ years
Part B (Medical Insurance):
• Available to those eligible for Part A
• Optional enrollment with monthly premium
• Late enrollment penalty if delayed
Immigrants without 40 work credits can buy into Medicare Part A.
Applying for SSA Benefits in Norwalk
- 1Gather Required Documents
Birth certificate, passport, green card, Social Security card, work history, medical records (for disability claims).
- 2Choose Application Method
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local SSA office.
- 3Complete the Application
Provide all requested information about your work history, medical condition (if applicable), and family members.
- 4Attend Scheduled Appointments
For disability claims, you may need to attend medical evaluations. SSI requires an in-person interview.
- 5Receive Decision
Processing times vary: retirement claims take 3-4 weeks, disability claims take 3-6 months or longer.
Common Issues for Immigrants
- •Name discrepancies between immigration documents and SSA records
- •Missing work history from foreign countries (may need totalization agreement)
- •Immigration status verification delays
- •Language barriers during application and appeals
- •Understanding complex SSI immigration status requirements
- •Sponsor deeming rules affecting SSI eligibility
Totalization Agreements
• Workers can combine U.S. and foreign work credits for eligibility
• Helps immigrants who haven't worked 10 years in the U.S.
• Countries include Canada, UK, Germany, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and others
• Arab countries with agreements: Jordan (limited)
• Each country pays benefits proportional to work done there
Appeals and Denials
1. Reconsideration - Request within 60 days of denial
2. Hearing - Before an Administrative Law Judge
3. Appeals Council - Review of hearing decision
4. Federal Court - Final appeal option
Many disability claims are initially denied but succeed on appeal. We can help you understand the appeal process and prepare your documentation.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I receive Social Security benefits if I return to my home country?
A: For most countries, yes. However, some countries are restricted, and your benefits may be affected. Green card holders risk losing their status if they're abroad too long. Naturalized citizens can receive benefits in most countries.
Q:Does receiving SSI affect my immigration status or green card application?
A: Receiving SSI could be considered under public charge rules for some immigration applications. However, SSI received by refugees, asylees, and certain other categories is generally not counted. Consult with an immigration professional before applying.
Q:Can my sponsor's income affect my SSI eligibility?
A: Yes, for the first years after becoming a permanent resident, your sponsor's income and resources may be 'deemed' to you for SSI purposes. This can make SSI eligibility difficult during the deeming period.
Q:I worked using an incorrect Social Security number. Can I still get credit?
A: If you later obtained work authorization and a correct SSN, you may be able to have earnings transferred to your correct record. This requires providing evidence of your employment during that period.
Q:How do I prove my age if I don't have a birth certificate?
A: SSA accepts various documents including passport, religious records, hospital records, or affidavits. They evaluate the totality of evidence provided.
Q:Can my children receive benefits based on my work record?
A: Yes, minor children (under 18, or 19 if in school full-time) and disabled adult children may receive benefits based on a parent's retirement, disability, or death, regardless of their own immigration status in some cases.
Need Help with Social Security Benefits?
Understanding SSA benefits as an immigrant can be complex. Contact us for guidance on eligibility, application assistance, and document preparation.