Be advised that the United States Department of State has begun the administrative law process which may lead to significantly higher prices for consular services. The matter is under consideration in Washington, and the change in tariffs is not yet final. However, it is likely to become law, and likely to come into effect, though not before 12 March 2010. This will affect the following services - renewed passports, new passports, reports of birth abroad, adding pages to your passport, notarizing documents.
Applying for United States Social Security is done through teleclaim appointments by the Federal Benefits Unit of the Tel Aviv United States Embassy only. The appointments are by telephone in the afternoon hours so that United States Government offices are open. If you are not born in the United States you may have to show your birth certificate, otherwise you do not need to send/bring documents to the Embassy. To apply for a teleclaim appointment in order of the Federal Benefits Unit’s Preference:
In all instances, write/leave your Name, Social Security number and your Telephone Number. You will be called within days of your email/fax/message. However if you are not home, the FBU personnel will NOT call again. So if you do not hear from them within a week or two, send/leave your message again.
Social Security and Other Federal Benefits :
Applying for a Social Security Benefits or Number (Card)
If you would like to apply for a social security benefits or a social security number (card), please review the following information closely.
We provide assistance to residents of our consular district which includes Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. Residents in the Tel Aviv consular district must be served at the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.
We are open to the public for walk-in services on Monday, Tuesday (closed on Wednesday), Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. All applications must be submitted in person along with original documents, which will be returned after copies are taken.
Applying for a Social Security Number or Original Social Security Card
All applicants over the age of 12 must appear in person.
To apply you must do the following:
1. Fill out the SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK LETTERS using legible handwriting. The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website:
www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5. Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
2. Provide Proof of Your Age (in the form of one of the following)
· You can present your foreign birth certificate, or
· Your consular report of birth abroad (FS-240)
3. Provide Proof Of U.S. Citizenship (in the form of one of the following)
· Signed, U.S. Passport
· Naturalization Certificate
· Citizenship Certificate
· Consular Report of Birth Abroad FS-240 or FS-545
4. Provide Proof of Identification (in the form of one of the following)
· Signed, unexpired U.S. Passport or Foreign Passport
· Alternatively, current (non-expired) proof of identification from a recognized authority. For adults, all identification documents without an expiration date must have been issued within past 2 years.
· For children, identification documents must have been issued within the past 4 years. An immunization card, health certificate, or letter from a doctor should include the applicant’s name and date of birth. Health Insurance or U.S. Medicaid cards must show the child’s name and either a photograph of the child or the child’s age or date of birth.
5. (If Applicable) Parents Applying for Children Under 18 Must Provide Proof of Identification
· Signed, unexpired U.S. or Foreign Passport
· Drivers License
· Israeli I.D. Card
Applying for a Replacement Social Security Card (Same Name and Number)
Available for U.S. citizens only by providing:
· The completed SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK letters using legible handwriting. The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5. Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
· Proof of Identification as described above.
· Parents applying for children under 18 must also provide identification as described above.
Applying for a Social Security Card because of a Name Change (Marriage or Legal Name Change)
Available for U.S. citizens only by providing:
· The completed SS-5 Application in CAPITAL BLOCK letters using legible handwriting. The application is available from the Consulate General or online at the Social Security Administration’s website: www.ssa.gov/online/SS-5. Please have your application completed before approaching the Federal Benefits Unit’s window.
· Original Marriage Certificate
· Legal Name Change Certificate
· Proof of Identification showing the new name. The identification must meet the criteria described above.
Further Information
If you do not know your social security number, please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 from the United States, or at 1-880-772-1213 from Israel, the West Bank or Gaza. For further information, please visit:
http://www.ssa.gov.