Applying for a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration will issue social security numbers to non-citizens outside the U.S. only if they are eligible for dependent survivor benefits.

Benefits are paid monthly by check or direct deposit.

Any U.S. citizen may apply for a social security number overseas. To obtain a Social Security Number, each applicant should complete and sign Form SS-5-FS. The application form can be obtained from the Embassy's Federal Benefits Unit. Where the application is signed by one person on behalf of another, e.g. a parent for a child or a guardian for incompetent adults, they must also provide evidence of his or her own identity. Applicants age 18 or over must apply in person and submit evidence of their identity, age and citizenship.

As evidence of age the applicant should submit his/her passport and at least one document to show the signature of the applicant for comparison with that shown on Form SS-5-FS. If you were born in the U.S., you need to submit your American birth certificate. If you were born abroad you need to submit evidence of U.S. citizenship, e.g. passport, naturalization certificate or Consular Report of Birth as evidence of age.

The Federal Benefits Unit of the Embassy is open to the public from 8:30am to 12:30pm Monday through Friday.