Do H-1B visa holders pay into and get Social Security benefits?

Yes, H-1B workers pay the same Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes as everyone else, 6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $176,100 in 2025, plus 1.45% for Medicare. To draw a retirement benefit you generally need 40 credits (about 10 years of covered work). If you leave before earning 40 credits, those contributions aren't refunded, but a "totalization agreement" between the U.S. and your country (the U.S. has one with many nations, though not India) can let you combine work credits across countries to qualify. Without an agreement, short U.S. stints may yield no benefit. If you stay 10+ years and reach 40 credits, you can claim benefits even from abroad, subject to some country rules. See wealthserene.com/tools/social-security-optimizer.