How and when do i apply for social security

The SSA deals with claims for retirement, disability and survivor benefits, Social Security number applications as well as all post-entitlement issues such as direct deposit information,  changes of address, non-receipt of checks, and termination of benefits due to death. For detailed information on benefits and how to apply visit the Social Security Administration website.

The SSA’s regional office for EAP is in Manila. For social security claims and other questions, please contact SSA Manila directly.

EAP Regional SSA Contact Information:
Social Security Administration
United States Embassy
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita, Manila, Philippines 0930

Inquiry Line: +63-2-5301-2000 option 9
(Open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday – Manila Time)

Fax: +63-2-8708-9723
E-Mail: 
Website: Social Security Administration

U.S. Embassy Singapore is not a Social Security claims-processing post. However, we can assist with certifying copies that you will need to forward the documents to SSA Manila for the following services:

• First time SSN Application
• Replacement SSN Card
• Name Change on SSN Card

SSA Manila will mail the SSN card to the address indicated on the application. The entire process can take 2-3 months.

First Time SSN Application

If you are applying for a Social Security number (SSN) for the first time, you will need to submit the following (Original and copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

• Form SS-5FS (PDF 122KB);
• Evidence of age (such as birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad);
• Evidence of identity (such  as passport);
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship (such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship), or
• Evidence of immigration status, for Legal Permanent Residents, (such as Form I-551 or I-94);
• Evidence of the identity ( such as passport) of the  parent who signs the Form SS-5FS (for applicants under 12 years of age)
• Adoption Decree ( if applicable for applicants under the age of 12);
• Anyone age 12 or older must appear in person for an interview, and must submit documentation showing that absence from the U.S. was the reason a SSN was never assigned. The documentation (such as school and/or employment records) must be comprehensive, and date from the time the person departed the U.S. to the present.
• Official English translation of any documents in a foreign language.

Replacement SSN Card

If you know your SSN, you will need to submit the following (Original and one copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

• a completed Form SS-5FS (PDF 122KB)
• Applicant’s  passport
• Evidence of the identity  (such as passport)of the  parent who signs the Form SS-5FS (for applicants under 12 years of age)

If you don’t know your SSN, please contact the SSA Manila at .

Note: Knowing your SSN number is more important than having the actual card.  The IRS, employers and financial/educational institutions verify the SSN with the Social Security Administration, regardless of whether or not a Social Security Card is presented.

Name Change on SSN Card

If you need to change your name on your Social Security records, you will need to submit the following (Original and one copy – We will certify the copies and return the documents to you to mail to SSA Manila):

• a completed Form SS-5FS (PDF 122KB)
• Proof of the name change (such as marriage or divorce  decree)
• Applicant’s  passport indicating new name

Visit the Social Security Administration website for further information on their services.

You should apply no later than the month in which you want your benefits to start. You can file up to four months before that, which gives Social Security ample time to process your application. As the minimum age to collect retirement benefits is 62, the earliest you can apply is when you reach 61 years and 9 months.

Keep in mind

• Regardless of how far ahead of time you file, you will not get your first payment until the month after your first full month as a 62-year-old.
• If you have already filed for Social Security benefits, Medicare kicks in automatically at age 65. If you have not, you should contact Social Security three months before your 65th birthday to put Medicare enrollment in motion so that coverage will take effect the month you turn 65.

Published October 10, 2018

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