Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration website contains information about benefits, payments and international services for applicants or beneficiaries residing outside of the United States.

Social Security matters for Nigeria are handled by the Regional Social Security Office in London, England.  Therefore the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos are limited in the information we can provide regarding Social Security.

Instructions on contacting the London Federal Benefits Unit, Social Security numbers, changes to address or direct deposit for current beneficiaries, filing for retirement, disability or Medicare, etc., are available at the US Embassy, London. 

The best way to contact the London Federal Benefits Unit is via email at FBU.London@ssa.gov.  You will receive a reply within 3 business days. 

If necessary, you can write to the London Federal Benefits Unit at the following address:

U.S. Embassy
Federal Benefits Unit
Box 0005
24 Grosvenor Square
London W1A 2LQ

Another option is to call the London Federal Benefits Unit Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 1:00pm (London Time) at +44-20-7499-9000, EXT 2926 or 2927."

Social Security Numbers

Applications for Social Security Numbers may be made at either the Embassy or Consulate. Your application and supporting documents are forwarded to the London Federal Benefits Unit which assigns a number. The Social Security Number will be mailed directly to you, normally in three to six months.  If you have not received your SSN within six months, please contact the Social security Regional office in London, England by email at FBU.London@ssa.gov providing the following information:  applicant’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, mother’s full maiden name and father’s name.

If you are 12 years or older and applying for a Social Security number for the first time, you will need to appear in person, either at a U.S. consular post abroad or at a Social Security office in the U.S.  You will need the following documents:

• Birth Certificate/Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• Passport
• School records – From twelve years of age to date and/or employment and/or medical records documenting residency outside of the U.S.

Selective Service Registration

U.S. male citizens who have attained the age of 18 years are required to register for the selective services.  For information on how to register; visit the following website http://www.sss.gov/  Dual nationals of the U.S. and another country are required to register, regardless of where they live, because they are U.S. nationals.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs website offers the Federal Benefits Manual for Veterans and Dependents (1997), details of benefits available, and downloadable benefits forms.