How can you apply for social security

The SSA deals with claims for retirement, disability and survivor benefits, Social Security number applications as well as all post-entitlement issues such as direct deposit information,  changes of address, non-receipt of checks, and termination of benefits due to death. For detailed information on benefits and how to apply visit the Social Security Administration website.

The SSA’s regional office for EAP is in Manila. For social security claims and other questions, please contact SSA Manila directly.

EAP Regional SSA Contact Information:
Social Security Administration
United States Embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita, Manila, Philippines 0930

Inquiry Line: +63-2-5301-2000 option 9
(Open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday – Manila Time)

Fax: +63-2-8708-9723
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: Social Security Administration

U.S. Embassy Singapore is not a Social Security claims-processing post. However, we can assist with certifying copies that you will need to forward the documents to SSA Manila for the following services:

• First time SSN Application
• Replacement SSN Card
• Name Change on SSN Card

SSA Manila will mail the SSN card to the address indicated on the application. The entire process can take 2-3 months.

First Time SSN Application

If you are applying for a Social Security number (SSN) for the first time, you will need to submit the following (Original and copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

• Form SS-5FS (PDF 122KB);
• Evidence of age (such as birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad);
• Evidence of identity (such  as passport);
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship), or
• Evidence of immigration status, for Legal Permanent Residents, (such as Form I-551 or I-94);
• Evidence of the identity ( such as passport) of the  parent who signs the Form SS-5FS (for applicants under 12 years of age)
• Adoption Decree ( if applicable for applicants under the age of 12);
• Anyone age 12 or older must appear in person for an interview, and must submit documentation showing that absence from the U.S. was the reason a SSN was never assigned. The documentation (such as school and/or employment records) must be comprehensive, and date from the time the person departed the U.S. to the present.
• Official English translation of any documents in a foreign language.

Replacement SSN Card

If you know your SSN, you will need to submit the following (Original and one copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

• a completed Form SS-5FS (PDF 122KB)
• Applicant’s  passport
• Evidence of the identity  (such as passport)of the  parent who signs the Form SS-5FS (for applicants under 12 years of age)

If you don’t know your SSN, please contact the SSA Manila at [email protected].

Note: Knowing your SSN number is more important than having the actual card.  The IRS, employers and financial/educational institutions verify the SSN with the Social Security Administration, regardless of whether or not a Social Security Card is presented.

Name Change on SSN Card

If you need to change your name on your Social Security records, you will need to submit the following (Original and one copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, you also need to tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:

• Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
• Cause delays when you file your taxes.

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

Tell us you want to apply for SSI and other benefits or help someone else to do so. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. We ask for basic information:

• Name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the person interested in SSI
• Mailing address, phone number, and email address (optional) for the person interested in SSI
• Your name, phone number, and email address (optional) if you are helping someone else

After you complete the online process, a Social Security representative schedules an appointment to help you apply for benefits. We will send the appointment date and time by mail (and email, if provided) within 7-14 business days to the person interested in applying. In some cases, a Social Security representative may call to schedule the appointment.

What is the easiest way to apply for Social Security?

How do I know if I will be eligible for Social Security benefits?

Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?