As an American I do not qualify for either of those things but have to pay into it, you need to pay into the system for 40 quarters (10 years), and meet other requirements. It is currently underfunded and most likely wont have much money left by the time I could withdraw. If you have a higher income and/or a spouse that works you generally pay in more than you will get back in benefits as well because it is a progressive safety net system. I've seen many people see the high salaries and the good quality of living in the US, but many of these things take high taxes to pay for.