Change of Address
Important Benefit Information
Replacement Social Security Cards Abroad
Social Security Services Outside the U.S.

Change of Address

If you are a beneficiary planning to leave the U.S. to live abroad, you should report your change of home address before you leave (even if your payments are being sent to a bank).

You may report your new address by calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) toll-free at 1-800-772-1213, or contacting your nearest SSA office.

Important Benefit Information

You should also read the publication "Social Security--Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States" which explains how your benefits might be affected. Among other things, this publication explains the following:

• How benefit payments are made outside the U.S., including countries in which direct deposit is available
• Taxation of benefit payments
• Conditions under which payment may be made to beneficiaries outside the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens
• What you need to know about Medicare (Health services obtained outside the U.S. generally are not covered by Medicare)
• How work outside the U.S. may affect your benefit payments
• Events that must be reported by beneficiaries outside the U.S.

Replacement Social Security Cards Abroad

Generally, the only individuals outside the U.S. who are eligible to apply for an original or replacement Social Security card are U.S. citizens or aliens who have been granted the right to work in the U.S. by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you need a card and are eligible to apply for one, you should file "Application for a Social Security Card - Foreign Service (SS-5-FS)" at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate (where forms are also available).

Social Security Services Outside of the U.S.

In countries where there are a relatively large number of Social Security customers, American embassies and consulates have personnel who have been specially trained to provide a full range of services, including the taking of applications for benefits. If you are in one of the following countries and require service, click on the appropriate country name for information about the office to contact.

If you are in Canada, British Virgin Islands or Western Samoa, you may obtain services from an SSA Field Office. Click on the country below for information:

If you are in any other country, you may contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or write to:

You may also call SSA's Office of International Operations directly at 410-965-5404, or send a fax to 410-965-6539. (these are not free calls). Calls are answered only in English and during normal business hours for the Eastern U.S.

The information provided in this website is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as legal advice. This website is intended to provide a basic understanding of this information in summary form. This information may not be comprehensive, is subject to change, and may not apply to all individual circumstances. Any information received here should be confirmed with the appropriate government agencies or with an attorney, particularly as it relates to your individual circumstances. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use.