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Social Security Administration

On Monday, May 22, 2023, the Manila Central Post Office caught fire and the building suffered extensive damage. As a result of the fire, we anticipate that postal service in Manila will be significantly delayed. Until postal service is fully restored, we recommend that clients send correspondence to our office via courier service. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

 

Overview

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila provides services for the Social Security Administration (SSA) and other federal benefit agencies to customers in the Philippines and over 40 other countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. Please refer to SSA’s website  for a list of countries and the location of their servicing Federal Benefits Unit.

The FBU is unable to answer inquiries related to visas, passports, registrations of birth, voting, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please visit the Embassy Sections and Agencies page for assistance in contacting the appropriate section.

All services provided are free of charge and include:

  • Taking claims for various types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, survivors, disability and lump sum death payment
  • Processing applications for new or replacement Social Security cards
  • Processing post-entitlement issues, including the Annual Report Form (SSA-7161 or SSA-7162), change of address, direct deposit enrollment, and non-receipt of benefit checks
  • Resolving earnings discrepancies
  • Assisting with Medicare enrollment and termination

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our FAQ page. For general information on Social Security, please visit www.SocialSecurity.gov.

Social Security Online Services

You can now access many services online if you live outside of the United States. Learn more about what you can do with your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/foreign.

To create a my Social Security account using an international address and/or phone number, you will first need to create an account using ID.me. For step-by-step instructions, please see our pamphlet entitled, How to Create a mySSA Account.

 

 

Totalization Agreements

The United States has Social Security Agreements, referred to as Totalization Agreements with multiple countries. The Totalization Agreements prevent dual social security taxation on earnings. This situation happens when a worker from one country works in another country and is required to pay social security taxes toward both countries’ social security systems. In addition, the Totalization Agreements help fill gaps in benefit coverage for workers who divide their careers between the United States and the Agreement country.   

If you worked in the U.S. for less than ten (10) years, you may be eligible for benefits in accordance with the Totalization Agreement of the U.S. with the following countries. 

SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT OF 2023 (SSFA)

On January 5, 2025, the President signed the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (SSFA), which eliminates the reduction of Social Security benefits while entitled to public pensions from work not covered by Social Security.

For general information, please visit Social Security Fairness Act: Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) update.

Contact Us

Email

You may contact us in a variety of ways, but the most efficient way is to contact us by e-mail at FBU.Manila@ssa.gov. We generally respond within 10 – 15 business days from the date of receipt.

To assist you with your concerns, we may ask for your Social Security Number (SSN), your date of birth and/or banking information. Providing this information is optional; however, we may need this information to answer your questions and fully assist you.

Phone

You may call us at +63-2-5301-6200 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Manila Time) every Tuesday and Thursday, except on U.S. and Philippine holidays.

In-Office Appointments

In-person services are limited to appointment only. Walk-ins are not allowed. Appointments are available on Mondays and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. To request for an appointment, please send an e-mail to FBU.Manila@ssa.gov (Subject: Appointment Request) and we will contact you to schedule the appointment. Please note that electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, etc.) are not allowed inside the Embassy.

Facsimile or Postal Mail

You may send your inquiry via fax to +632-8708-9714 or write to us at the following address:

 Mailing Address:
U.S. Embassy – Manila
Social Security Administration
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines 0930

 

IMPORTANT:

For OPM annuitants, we provide general services such as direct deposit enrollment, reporting of death and appointment of a Representative Payee. For all other services, please email OPM directly at retire@opm.gov. For more information about OPM, you may visit their website at www.opm.gov .

For veterans living overseas, please visit VA’s website  for more information.