The U.S. Embassy and Consulates assist customers with a wide range of federal benefits services. Whether you are applying for your first social security number, inquiring into survivor benefits, or trying to set up a veterans' medical examination, the Embassy and Consulates stand ready to assist. At the bottom, you may find a link to our contact information and office hours.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) deals with claims for retirement, disability and survivor benefits, Social Security number applications, and all post-entitlement activities affecting beneficiaries under the various programs (i.e., changes of address, issues involving direct deposit of SSA checks, non-receipt of check allegations, and death terminations).

Choose a category below to begin!

• General information:
  If you would like general information on Social Security, please visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. This site includes:
  • The Social Security Handbook, which gives general information about Social Security Programs
  • A list of all publications; and
  • A list of all downloadable forms.

• Social Security Cards / Numbers
  If you are applying for a Social Security Number, or have a question regarding your Social Security Card or Number, please click here.

• Benefits Eligibility and Applications
  If you would like to inquire into your eligibility for Social Security benefits, and/or have questions regarding the benefits application process, please click here.

• Post-Entitlement Services
  If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, and have a question or problem with your benefits account, please click here.

• Questions?
  Click here for a handy list of Social Security Frequently Asked Questions.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) processes survivor claims, educational benefits, compensation and pension examinations, etc. The Department of Veterans Affairs website offers the Federal Benefits Manual for Veterans and Dependants (1997), details of benefits available, and downloadable benefits forms.

Office of Personnel Management

The Office of Personnel Management website offers information for federal employee benefits such as retirement programs, thrift plans, and health insurance.

Railroad Retirement Board

The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families. The RRB also administers certain Social Security benefit payments and railroad workers' Medicare coverage. Visit the RRB website for more information.

Department of Defense

All Department of Defense benefits matters are handled through the U.S. military bases in Japan. For those residents in the Osaka-Kobe consular district, please contact the Consulate for assistance.

Office Hours and Contact Info

Please click here for federal benefits contact information and office hours.