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Federal Benefits

Social Security

There are two ways to submit claims to the Social Security Administration (SSA):

A. An applicant may access the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov/, where he or she is asked to fill out a quick questionnaire to determine if he or she may apply online. If the applicant indicates that he or she is residing abroad, the system will reject the request and direct him or her to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, an applicant may also enter the same website and print out the applicable forms. Although the forms will have "Sample Only, Please Do Not Mail" stamped across them, the U.S. Embassy's Federal Benefit Unit (FBU) has been advised that an applicant may print out the form, fill it out, attach the required supporting documents, and mail the package in directly to the indicated address. (Note: SSA requires original documents that it states will be returned to applicants. However, if the claims process is undertaken through the FBU, it will make certified copies, which are accepted by SSA.) Applicants should be sure to keep copies of everything they send to SSA.

B. An applicant may apply through the FBU. The FBU will complete the applicable forms; make copies of the required supporting documents; certify the documents; and mail the entire package to the SSA. Copies of the forms and supporting documents are kept on file.

The most common required supporting documents are:

  • Birth certificate if you were born in Eritrea, from Municipality office. If you were born in another country you should bring your authenticated original birth certificate.
  • U.S. Passport or Alien Card
  • Social Security Card or any Social Security Administration document reflecting your Social Security Number.
  • Original Marriage Certificate
  • Municipality birth certificate for your spouse or child under 18 or disabled if they were born in Eritrea. If they were born in another country you should bring the original birth certificate. (If applying for spouse or children benefits)
  • Social Security Number for your spouse and dependent child, if available
  • If you are applying for Disability Benefits for yourself, spouse or child, you should bring detailed medical records. This report should include all medications you are taking.
  • Divorce certificate if applying as a surviving divorced spouse
  • Death Certificate (if applicable)
  • If you were in the Armed Forces, Form DD214