Claiming Rules
How Social Security Defines Non-Covered Employment
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 16, 2026
The short answer
Non-covered employment refers to types of work not covered under Social Security, either due to explicit legal exclusions or specific conditions not being met. This can include certain government positions, domestic work, and employment outside of U.S. boundaries, depending on individual circumstances and applicable exceptions.
General Definition of Non-Covered Employment
Employment under Social Security generally involves work that earns credits towards benefits. However, not all work qualifies as covered employment. Some work performed by employees is excluded from Social Security coverage, as outlined in sections 404.1012 through 404.1038 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Such exclusions define what constitutes non-covered employment. §404.1003 specifies that current work is evaluated against these rules.
20 CFR 404.1003 View source ›Types of Non-Covered Employment
As mentioned in §404.1001, not all work is covered for Social Security purposes. Some work is explicitly excluded, like certain government positions, employment outside the U.S., and domestic employment under specific conditions.
20 CFR 404.1001 View source ›Exceptions and Specific Conditions
Domestic employment performed in a private home is typically excluded if performed by individuals under 18 or not considered their principal occupation, as indicated in RS 01901.200. Additionally, work performed outside the U.S. in a job not under U.S. Social Security, as described in HBK 1825, is generally not covered.
RS 01901.200 View source ›Implications of Non-Covered Employment
Understanding non-covered employment is crucial for accurately reporting earnings and ensuring all potential Social Security benefits are recognized. This involves acknowledging services that may be excluded under specific conditions.
HBK 0900 View source ›Frequently asked
What jobs are not covered by Social Security?
Certain jobs, including some government positions and work performed outside the U.S., are not covered by Social Security, depending on specific criteria.
How does non-covered employment affect my benefits?
If your employment is non-covered, it won't be included in your Social Security earnings record, potentially affecting your benefits eligibility and amount.
Is domestic work covered under Social Security?
Domestic work can be excluded from coverage if the worker is under 18 or it's not their primary occupation, depending on earnings threshold conditions.
Does working overseas affect Social Security coverage?
Yes, work done outside the U.S. is generally not covered unless performed for an American employer or under a specific international agreement.