Eligibility and Application for Social Security Benefits

For general information on eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits, you can always visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website.

Specific eligibility requirements and application procedures for Social Security benefits vary depending upon how long you worked in the United States.

• If you worked in the U.S. for more than 10 years and have a specific question regarding your eligibility/application for benefits, please contact the Embassy or closest Consulate.
• If you worked in the U.S. for less than 10 years and have specific eligibility and application questions, please view our totalization page.

Certified Copies

The Embassy and Consulates can assist you with certification of copies of evidence used for benefits claims. To contact our offices, please view our contact information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please also see our Social Security FAQ for answers to some of the more common benefits questions.