Social Security

The American Citizens Services unit at the Consulate General provides the following Social Security services:

• Reporting a change of address
• Reporting death of a beneficiary
• Reporting non-receipt of monthly Social Security check
• Applying for a Social Security number or benefits

For more detailed assistance, please contact the Social Security Administration directly using one of the methods listed below.

Social Security Number/Card

If applying for a first Social Security number/card, requesting a replacement card, or documenting a name change, please click here for the appropriate application form and instructions.

IMPORTANT:

• If the applicant is age 12 or older, and has never been assigned a Social Security number, the applicant must book an appointment to apply in person at the Consulate General serving your area. Additionally, applicants born in the United States must include documentation demonstrating that they departed the United States as infants/children AND have continually resided outside the United States.
• All other applicants must submit the application with original supporting documents by mail to the Consulate General serving their area. (Please include a self-addressed pre-paid Registered or Express Post Platinum envelope for return of original documents).

Processing time for applications for a Social Security Number/card is generally 2-3 months.

Claim for Social Security Benefits

The Social Security office at the American Embassy in Manila, Philippines, provides direct service to Social Security beneficiaries living in Australia. Please see their Claims Enquiries information below to file an application for benefits.

When contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA), please have readily available your Social Security number, name, address, telephone number and area code, and information concerning the issues you wish to discuss. To reduce your cost, you may request that SSA return your telephone call at their expense.

Direct Deposit for Social Security Benefits

If you are receiving monthly Social Security benefits or pension you are eligible to have this benefit directly deposited into your Australian bank account. To apply for this service please complete Form SSA-1199-Australia and mail the completed form to the Consulate General serving your area, please attention your envelope to the Special Consular Services section.

Contacting Social Security

General Enquiries: 0011-632-525-6481

Initial Benefit Claims: 1-800-750-030 Toll free from Australia; available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12pm- 5pm Sydney time (10am - 3pm Manila Time)

Fax Number: 0011-632-522-1514

Email: FBU.Manila@ssa.gov

Mail:

Social Security Division
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Regional Office
American Embassy
1131 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita 0930 Manila
Philippines

FAQs

Social Security FAQs for U.S. Citizens outside of the U.S.

American Citizen Services FAQs

Last update: Thursday, 17 September 2009 GMT+1000