Social security officer
Also known as: benefits officer, social security claims officer, invalidity adviser, social security adviser, employment advisor, healthcare insurance adviser
About this occupation
Social security officers advise clients on social security benefits and ensure they claim the benefits they are eligible for, as well as providing advice on promotions and other available support services such as employment benefits. They aid clients in applications for benefits such as sickness, maternity, pensions, invalidity, unemployment and family benefits. They investigate the client's right to benefits by reviewing their case and researching legislation and the claim, and suggest an appropriate course of action. Social security advisers also determine the aspects of a specific benefit.
Essential skills and knowledge
- social security law
- conduct research interview
- respond to enquiries
- ensure information transparency
- apply technical communication skills
- provide necessary documents
- advise on social security benefits
- government social security programmes
- investigate social security applications
- administer appointments
- protect client interests
- check official documents
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Compensation and Benefits Managers (O*NET 11-3111.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Direct preparation and distribution of written and verbal information to inform employees of benefits, compensation, and personnel policies.
- Design, evaluate, and modify benefits policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive, and in compliance with legal requirements.
- Fulfill all reporting requirements of all relevant government rules and regulations, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
- Analyze compensation policies, government regulations, and prevailing wage rates to develop competitive compensation plan.
- Identify and implement benefits to increase the quality of life for employees by working with brokers and researching benefits issues.
- Manage the design and development of tools to assist employees in benefits selection, and to guide managers through compensation decisions.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$149,230 a year (2025), 22,940 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.0)
- Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Financial Managers
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Financial Examiners
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Budget Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.