1. A government program that provides economic assistance to persons faced with unemployment, disability, or agedness, financed by assessment of employers and employees.
2. the economic assistance provided by social security.

1. A system whereby the state either through general or specific taxation provides various benefits to help ensure the wellbeing of its citizens.
2. those benefits paid under such a system.
3. A specific such social benefit providing income in retirement or disability.

1. social welfare program in the U.S.; includes old-age and survivors insurance and some unemployment insurance and old-age assistance