Social Security
Social Security Benefits
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate is
able to assist you in applying for and receiving your Social Security
benefits while living in Brazil. Please check the Contact
info & working hours page to know the location and working
hours of the U.S. Citizen Services Unit responsible for your consular
district if you need assistance in applying for benefits.
To
apply for benefits, you will need to write to the following address:
Social Security Administration
Office of
International Operations
Attn: Claims Development Branch
P.O. Box
17769
Baltimore, MD - 21235-7769
U.S.A.
www.ssa.gov
The letter must indicate an intent on the part of the
writer to claim Social Security benefits on his/her own behalf or on
behalf of another, and must be signed by the claimant, a spouse, a legal
representative or guardian, or in the case of a child, a parent. If the
applicant signs by mark or fingerprint, show his/her name on the
signature line. The Consulate employee will sign as well to confirm the
applicant's identity.
Certified copies of the following documents
must accompany your letter:
- Your birth certificate issued before age five
- Your U.S. passport or any other photo ID
- Your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Your divorce decree, or death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
- Your child's birth certificate if applying for child's benefits
The written statement may be completed in the claimant's
native language since the Social Security Administration has a
translation service. However, completion of the statement in English may
result in a quicker reply.
A reply to your initial request
usually takes between three to six months.