Which group is NOT covered by Social Security?

Social Security is a program designed to provide financial assistance to specific groups of individuals, primarily based on their work history and contributions through payroll taxes. Those who do not pay payroll taxes are not covered by Social Security because eligibility for benefits typically requires a minimum number of work credits, which are earned by paying into the system.

Individuals such as self-employed workers, employees who have paid payroll taxes, and employers who make payroll tax contributions all have the potential to qualify for Social Security benefits because they have contributed to the system. In contrast, individuals who do not pay payroll taxes do not build up work credits and therefore do not become eligible for Social Security benefits. This distinction underscores the fundamental requirement of payroll tax contributions for coverage under the program.