A system whereby the state either through general or specific taxation provides various benefits to help ensure the wellbeing of its citizens. / Those benefits paid under such a system.

(US) A nine-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2). The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for taxation purposes. Abbreviated as SSN. In recent years the SSN has become a de facto national identification number.

plural of social security number