American Citizen Services

Federal Benefits Information

Our consular section generally does not perform federal benefits functions. Instead, we can provide basic information on and forms for Social Security, and information on how to contact other federal agencies.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Questions regarding Social Security should be directed to the Federal Benefits Unit at the American Embassy in Manila, the Philippines:

Social Security Administration
Federal Benefits Unit
U.S. Embassy
1131 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
0930 Manila
Philippines
Tel: (63) (2) 522-4716 or 526-5936
Fax: (63) (2) 522-1514
E-mail: SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov

You may also contact the SSA in the United States at:

Social Security Administration
Office of International Operations (OIO)
P. O. Box 17769
Baltimore, MD 21235
Web site: www.ssa.gov

General Information on Issuance of U.S. Social Security Numbers

Social Security numbers are issued only to United States citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs, aka "green card holders"). LPRs generally secure a Social Security number after lawful admission to the United States. Typical processing time for applications filed in the United States is approximately 5-10 days.

To secure a Social Security number, an application Form SS-5 must be completed. A U.S. passport or U.S. green card and a certified copy of a birth record established before age 5 must be presented. Cards should be received from the Social Security Administration in Baltimore within three months of completing the application process. For first time applicants age 12 or over who were born in the United States, the Social Security Administration is required to verify the birth certificate presented in evidence with the Registrar of the State of birth. This delays issuance of cards for six months or more.

U.S. citizens registering a child as a U.S. citizen through the Consular Report of Birth Abroad may also file for a Social Security number for that child. If a card is not received within four months, contact the American Citizens Services Unit.

Parents filing an application for a child’s Social Security number are required to provide their own Social Security numbers if they have one. The parent signing the application must also provide identification such as their U.S. passport or U.S. green card.

Non-resident aliens requiring a number for purposes of filing a U.S. tax return must file a Form W-7 Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with the Internal Revenue Service.

Individual States may require a Social Security number for record keeping purposes. Aliens may not have a Social Security number issued for these purposes unless required by State or local law, which conforms with Federal law.

Aliens not otherwise entitled to a number and planning on attending school in the United States may be asked for a Social Security number by the school. This is for record keeping purposes and is not authorized by Federal law. The school should be asked to assign its own internal number.

If a Social Security number is required to conduct business with a U.S. bank or financial institution and Federal law does not otherwise allow the issuance of a number, ask the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs handles survivor claims, educational benefits and compensation and pension examinations. Claims for VA benefits must be submitted directly to the VA. For details about VA benefits and how to apply for them, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site.

Medicare

For information about Medicare, visit the Medicare Administration Web site. 

Remember, Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.