Q&A – Can Immigrants Over 65 Receive Medicare & Social Security?

Q&A – Can Immigrants Over 65 Receive Medicare & Social Security? – Driven By Braman Motorcars        

Each day I feature a listener question sent by one of these methods.   

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Today’s Entry: Good morning, Brian and Joel. How is it possible that somebody from Outside of the United States that is over 65 is able to get. Social Security payments, Medicaid and Medicare. When they haven't worked a day in their life in the United States. To receive such security. Medicare, Medicaid.   

Bottom Line: These days when discussions of potential Medicare and Social Security abuse come up our minds are immediately drawn to the thought of illegal immigrants who’ve gamed the system, often by having declared “asylum” to enter our country under the Biden Administration. The key to unlocking Medicare and Social Security benefits for immigrants is gaining access to a Social Security number.  

Asylum seekers can apply for a Social Security number after receiving work authorization from the Department of Homeland Security, typically via an Employment Authorization Document after their asylum application has been pending for at least 180 days. Under the Biden administration over two million were able to do so. An additional two million (estimated) numbers were issued to those granted Temporary Protected Status and related “humanitarian parole programs”. Therefore, it is likely that millions of illegal immigrants will gain access to Social Security and Medicare if they remain in this country once they’re of age to collect. In addressing the crux of today’s question – there's another legal way immigrants, entering this country at retirement age, may still access these benefit programs.  

Starting with Medicare... 

Immigrants over 65 can enroll in Medicare if they meet these criteria: 

• Lawful Permanent Resident Status: They must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 5 years. 
• Eligibility for Premium-Free Part A: They (or their spouse) must have worked in Medicare-covered employment for at least 10 years (40 quarters) and paid Medicare taxes. If eligible for premium-free Part A (hospital insurance), they can also enroll in Part B (medical insurance) by paying monthly premiums ($174.70 per month in 2025 for most people). 
• Buying into Medicare: If they don’t qualify for premium-free Part A due to insufficient work history, they can still enroll in Medicare by paying premiums for both Part A (up to $557/month in 2025) and Part B, provided they meet the 5-year residency requirement. 
• Other Parts: They can enroll in Part D (prescription drug coverage) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans if enrolled in Parts A and B, subject to standard premiums and rules. 

As for Social Security... 

Immigrants over 65 may be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits if they meet these requirements: 

• Lawful Immigration Status: They must be lawfully present in the U.S. This includes lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other statuses.  
• Work Credits: They must have earned at least 40 work credits (typically 10 years of work in the U.S. where they paid Social Security taxes). Credits are earned based on income; in 2025, one credit is earned for every $1,730 of covered earnings, up to 4 credits per year. 
• Age Requirement: They must be at least 62 to receive reduced benefits or 66–67 (depending on birth year) for full retirement benefits. 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): If they don’t qualify for Social Security retirement benefits due to insufficient work credits, some immigrants over 65 may be eligible for SSI, a needs-based program. 

There is one other wrinkle that can come into play for those who work in other countries, with what are known as Totalization agreements. Starting in 1978 the United States established what are known as totalization agreements for the purpose of eliminating dual Social Security taxation that occurs when a worker from one country works in another country and is required to pay Social Security taxes to both countries on the same earnings. The U.S. currently has these agreements with 30 countries.  

So yes, it is possible for someone to legally work elsewhere but collect retirement benefits within the United States. It’s also quite clear that a potentially bigger path was created by the Biden administration for many to ultimately access these programs through illegitimate means as well. It’s something to be mindful of as budget deficits are in focus with these entitlement programs already amounting to the biggest annual expense for our country with insolvency currently looming for both programs next decade.