Explore the Manual

Options for pursuing unpaid wages, including sending demand letters, filing complaints with labor departments, and seeking assistance from worker advocacy organizations.

Resources and advice on addressing additional labor law violations like unpaid overtime and retaliation.

A model letter you can use to instruct your employer where and how to send your final paycheck.

A template for formally requesting payment of wages you are owed and warning of possible legal action.

Note: This section does not apply to immigrants who are undocumented.

This chapter explains Social Security benefits eligibility and rights for noncitizen immigrants who have worked and contributed to Social Security in the U.S. It covers key definitions, eligibility criteria, and practical guidance for insured workers, dependents, and survivors—especially in the context of detention, deportation, or voluntary departure. Learn what steps to take before leaving the U.S. and how deportation affects benefits.

A practical list of steps and documents needed to apply for or maintain Social Security benefits.

Clarifies essential Social Security terms and who qualifies as an insured worker, dependent, survivor, preparing immigrant, and supervised immigrant.

Details eligibility rules for insured workers and their families, and explains who can receive retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Guidance for continuing or managing benefits while in the U.S. or planning voluntary departure abroad.

Outlines eligibility and protections for immigrants facing deportation, including how to handle benefit suspensions during detention.