noun

SSA

ess-ess-AY

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SSA (noun) means the Social Security Administration, the United States federal agency that runs retirement, disability and survivor benefits and issues Social Security numbers. Example: “You can request a replacement card from the SSA online.”

noun

The Social Security Administration, the United States federal agency that runs retirement, disability and survivor benefits and issues Social Security numbers.

"You can request a replacement card from the SSA online."

"SSA sent a letter confirming the benefit increase."

Sub-Saharan Africa, the part of the African continent lying south of the Sahara, used as a region label in economics, development and public health.

"Mobile banking grew faster in SSA than anywhere else."

Same-sex attraction, used chiefly in psychological and religious writing to describe attraction to people of one's own sex.

"The paper uses SSA rather than any identity label."

How to use SSA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn the US it usually means the Social Security Administration.

When to use it

Always expand it on first use outside a context where the reading is obvious, since the three senses appear in very different documents.

Memory tip

SSA is the agency; SSN is the number it issues; SSI and SSDI are two of the programmes it administers.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

SSI SSDI SSN

Common pairings

contact the SSA SSA benefits across SSA SSA countries

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

You can request a replacement card from the _____ online.

Etymology

An initialism, expanded differently in each field.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SSA and SSI?

SSA is the agency itself. SSI, Supplemental Security Income, is one benefit programme the agency runs, paying people with very low income and resources who are aged, blind or disabled.

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSDI is based on your own work record and the Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is needs-based and does not require a work history. Both are administered by the SSA and some people qualify for both.

What is the meaning of SSA?

"SSA" (noun) means the Social Security Administration, the United States federal agency that runs retirement, disability and survivor benefits and issues Social Security numbers.

What are the different meanings of SSA?

"SSA" has 3 main meanings: 1. The Social Security Administration, the United States federal agency that runs retirement, disability and survivor benefits and issues Social Security numbers; 2. Sub-Saharan Africa, the part of the African continent lying south of the Sahara, used as a region label in economics, development and public health; 3. Same-sex attraction, used chiefly in psychological and religious writing to describe attraction to people of one's own sex.