Does the Au Pair have the right to American social security?

The Au Pair program, which operates under the rules of the J visa, is a cultural and exchange opportunity for young people, but it is important to understand that it has specific characteristics when it comes to social security rights in the United States.

In general, au pairs do not accumulate the necessary credits to be entitled to American social security benefits, such as retirement or disability benefits, during the period they participate in the program. This occurs because au pairs, being classified as exchange participants and not as actual employees under the usual employment rules, are generally not subject to mandatory contributions to Social Security (FICA – payroll taxes used for Social Security and Medicare).

As a result, even though they receive a stipend and have a defined work schedule, the nature of the remuneration and the peculiarities of the program do not allow the accumulation of credits that would later guarantee access to these benefits. It is essential that those considering participating in the Au Pair program fully understand the rules established by the Department of State and the sponsoring exchange organization.

Every detail of the program is governed by specific regulations and any misinformation can lead to misunderstandings, especially by people expecting to have the same social security rights as a typical worker. Therefore, seeking updated information from official channels and consulting specialized sources is essential to avoid mistakes.

We also remind everyone of the importance of always complying with United States immigration laws and regulations. Being alert to scams and campaigns that promise benefits or different results is crucial to ensure the entire experience is safe and in accordance with current legislation.

If there are doubts or a need for deeper clarification, seeking guidance from official sources or through recognized professionals and organizations can help avoid future complications.

In summary, during the period the au pair is in the United States with the J visa, they will not have the right to accumulate credits for American social security, since this type of situation falls outside what is considered formal employment under American tax and social security laws.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.