Social Security and Medicare Taxes

[UK_K1 0]

I am currently adjusting status from K-1 to Green Card.

I have my work permit and have recently started work in the USA.

Having just done some quick calculations, it seems that I will be paying around $6000/year in Social Security and Medicaid Taxes.

Considering the I-134 and I-834 that my Wife signed both state that I will not become a public charge and that I am not entitled to any benefits, it seems rather harsh to me that I should have to pay this.

I looked online and it seems that I do have to pay it, with only non-resident aliens being eligible for a refund.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Chez

[UK-USA-K1 128]

I am currently adjusting status from K-1 to Green Card.

I have my work permit and have recently started work in the USA.

Having just done some quick calculations, it seems that I will be paying around $6000/year in Social Security and Medicaid Taxes.

Considering the I-134 and I-834 that my Wife signed both state that I will not become a public charge and that I am not entitled to any benefits, it seems rather harsh to me that I should have to pay this.

I looked online and it seems that I do have to pay it, with only non-resident aliens being eligible for a refund.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Chez

The short answer is yes you must pay them. A longer version of this answer is available at the IRS website:

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Alien-Liability-for-Social-Security-and-Medicare-Taxes-of-Foreign-Teachers,-Foreign-Researchers,-and-Other-Foreign-Professionals

If there's a loophole somewhere I don't know of it, but would be interested to hear about it because my fiancee hasn't decided if she's going to become a citizen or retain her UK status and just be a resident here. We figure we have awhile yet to make that call and weigh the pros and cons

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You have to pay it. Non-citizens can also collect SS if they pay into it. So you will get it back and more.

Edited July 19, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[Bugs 455]

I am currently adjusting status from K-1 to Green Card.

I have my work permit and have recently started work in the USA.

Having just done some quick calculations, it seems that I will be paying around $6000/year in Social Security and Medicaid Taxes.

Considering the I-134 and I-834 that my Wife signed both state that I will not become a public charge and that I am not entitled to any benefits, it seems rather harsh to me that I should have to pay this.

I looked online and it seems that I do have to pay it, with only non-resident aliens being eligible for a refund.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Chez

You'll get the social security benefits when you retire, like all other legal residents.

[himher 634]

I am currently adjusting status from K-1 to Green Card.

I have my work permit and have recently started work in the USA.

Having just done some quick calculations, it seems that I will be paying around $6000/year in Social Security and Medicaid Taxes.

Considering the I-134 and I-834 that my Wife signed both state that I will not become a public charge and that I am not entitled to any benefits, it seems rather harsh to me that I should have to pay this.

I looked online and it seems that I do have to pay it, with only non-resident aliens being eligible for a refund.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Chez

Welcome to America!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Also, I thought it worth mentioning, Medicaid and SS are not means-tested benefits. Medicaid is care for the elderly (that you can get when you retire) and SS is money for the elderly that you get when you retire.

[ChuckM 8]

When you start working you are also earning the necessary credits to be able to collect. For instance, if I just started to work and have never worked before, and was permanently disabled one month after beginning to work I would not be eligible for SSA benefits. You become eligible after 40 credits, I cannot remember off the top of my head how long that takes. So you start working now, you start paying now, and eventually you will become eligible to collect.

[newacct 688]

Also, I thought it worth mentioning, Medicaid and SS are not means-tested benefits. Medicaid is care for the elderly (that you can get when you retire) and SS is money for the elderly that you get when you retire.

I think you mean Medicare.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I am currently adjusting status from K-1 to Green Card.

I have my work permit and have recently started work in the USA.

Having just done some quick calculations, it seems that I will be paying around $6000/year in Social Security and Medicaid Taxes.

Considering the I-134 and I-834 that my Wife signed both state that I will not become a public charge and that I am not entitled to any benefits, it seems rather harsh to me that I should have to pay this.

I looked online and it seems that I do have to pay it, with only non-resident aliens being eligible for a refund.

Is this correct?

Thanks in advance

Chez

It's like paying in to NI and part of working in the US. When you reach 40 quarters (roughly 10 years), then you will qualify for Social Security old age pension when you reach retirement age. Medicare is your over 65 medical i surance coverage. Yes, even you will receive a monthly check from Social Security. The more you contribute, the bigger your retirement check will be. You are becoming a permanent resident of the US so will do what most employed American's do--pay into Social Security and Medicare.

The public charge thing is so you as a new immigrant won't go apply for food stamps or cash assistance because you are poor. Once you reach your 40 quarters of contributions to SS or become an US citizen, your spouse is no longer on the hook for her I-864 promise.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I think you mean Medicare.

Indeed I do!