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U.S. Citizen Services

Federal Benefits Unit

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) administers federal benefits programs for residents of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Austria from the following federal agencies:

FBU Contact Information:

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) is located at the American Consulate General in Frankfurt. If you have specific questions or need more information, the FBU is open to the public:

Monday to Friday
8:00 am to 11:00 am.
Telephone: 069–90–555–1100
EMail: fbu.frankfurt@ssa.gov

Our office is closed on:
•  German and American Holidays
•  last Thursday of the month

Press Release: Social Security Announces 1.7% Benefit Increase for 2013 

You will also be able to reach individual work groups directly for service in English regarding:

All Federal Benefits (Social Security; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, Railroad Retirement, Department of Labor and Black Lung)

  • Initial Benefit Applications and Inquires
  • Reconsiderations
  • Appeals
  • Overpayments/Underpayments
  • Representative Payee issues

069-90-555-1101

  • Social Security Numbers
  • Non-Receipt of Payments
  • Verification requests regarding benefits received
  • Annual Questionnaires (Forms SSA-7162/-7161 Report to the United States Social Security Administration)
  • Address changes

069-90-555-1102

  • Direct Deposit (also changes)
  • Death of Beneficiary

069-90-555-1103

  • Department of Veterans Affairs – Medical Examinations Only:

069-90-555-1104

Social Security Administration Seal

Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov/

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

If you would like information on how to apply for social security retirement benefits, or for instructions on how to replace, correct, or change your name on your Social Security Card, see the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. This site also has a downloadable application form, the (SS-5-SF) and tells you what kind of identification you need to send along with your application form.


Please visit SSA's website "Service Around the World"
www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/
It provides information on what you can do online when you have an APO/FPO or Foreign mailing Address
 
Veterans Affairs

Department of Veteran Affairs
http://www.va.gov/

The Federal Benefits Unit handles Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) survivor claims, educational benefits, compensation and pension examinations, etc.

The Department of Veteran Affairs website offers the Federal Benefits Manual for Veterans and Dependents (2008), details of benefits available, and downloadable benefits forms.
 
Office of Personal Management Seal

Office of Personnel Management
http://www.opm.gov/

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

Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/

The Department of Labor website offers information on benefits programs such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and workers' compensation programs, (Black Lung, FECA, Longshore).
 
Railroad Retirement Board Seal

Railroad Retirement Board
http://www.rrb.gov/

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.

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Consular Outreach Day

  • Düsseldorf, March 11, 2013, 10:00-14:00
    (U.S. Passports / CRBA / Notarials / SSA / Immigrant Visa)
    Further information (PDF)

    Kaiserslautern, March 25, 2013, 10:00-14:00
    For civilian U.S. citizens only
    (U.S. Passports / CRBA / Notarials / Immigrant Visa)
    Further information (PDF)

    Stuttgart, April 15, 2013, 10:00-14:00
    (U.S. Passports / CRBA / Notarials / SSA / Immigrant Visa)
    Further information (PDF)
     

Visitor Information

  • Forbidden Items and
    Entry Regulations     (pdf)

    • NO cell phones
    • NO USB Sticks
    • NO portable game devices
    • More restricted items (pdf)

    If you fail to follow these security requirements you may face delays or cancellations to your visit.

    Items cannot be deposited at the U.S. Embassy/U.S. Consulate

    no cell phones allowed inside