Applying for ...updated May 15, 2011 |
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Applying for Social Security Benefits from Korea |
| All claims submitted from outside the U.S. in the Pacific region must go through the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila, the Philippines. Assignment of claims to the Claims Examiners is based on the surname (last name) of the claimant (worker) or beneficiary of the worker. The FBU has provided contact information to assist claimants. |
Applying for Your Social Security Retirement and Other Benefits
updated 9-26-09 |
Social Security sign-up has become much easier, and payments start much faster, for those in the Pacific area. Application for benefits can be made via telephone. Call or e-mail to request an appointment. You must provide the worker's name and Social Security Number, your name if not the worker, and a telephone number. You will receive a date and time for the appointment to complete your claim. Applicants must be able to speak and understand English to use telephone sign-up.
At the appointment time, the Claims Examiner will call you, ask you a security question to verify your identity, and then take your application over the phone. The Examiner will complete the application by telling you which supporting documents you must send to the mailing address below. You can send originals or copies of documents, but copies must be either certified by the U.S. Embassy or notarized by your local Legal Office. When SSA-Manila receives those documents, your claim is complete.
Two tables that were first presented in a Still Serving in Korea newsletter are available here to help you in your decision process of when to apply. |
Contacting Social Security |
Telephone, Fax, E-Mail and Mail
last update 12-16-11 |
By Telephone:
International Call to *63-2-301-2000 and receive recorded instructions.
By Fax:
*63-2-708-9714 or 9723
*Remember that calling international requires a prefix, for example, the KT prefix calling from Korea is 001, or use a calling card |
International Mail:
SSA Division
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
1131 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita
0930 Manila
Philippines
Diplomatic Postal System:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Administration
DPO AP 96515-1000
When using the DPO postal system, all correspondence related to claims should be submitted using Certified Mail/Return Receipt. |
By E-Mail:
FBU.Manila@ssa.gov |
Use this general e-mail address to contact the Foreign Benefits Unit at SSA in Manila. Once contact is established, you'll receive an e-mail response from the responsible claims examiner for your case. You can then contact this claims examiner directly to complete the application process. |
Submitting Claims by Mail
When dealing by mail with a Claims Examiner, be sure to include ATTN: (name of claims examiner)
in the mail address and ensure the worker's social security number is included with the document(s) |
| Type of Application |
Forms Required |
Supporting Documents* |
Comments |
Claimants Living Outside the United States
updated 1-27-08 |
SSA-21 (80kb/211kb)
Use these instructions to accurately complete the form. |
Must be submitted with each new, separate claim, or when relocating from U.S. to overseas, or moving within overseas areas, or when applying separately for Medicare Part B |
This form is required by each person submitting a claim and who is living outside the U.S. If multiple claims are submitted in a single package and are based on the same worker's benefits (e.g., retirement, spouse and child), only one SSA-21 is required to be submitted with the package. |
Retirement Benefits
updated 1-27-08 |
SSA-1 (138kb/280kb)
Here are instructions for all required forms. |
Birth Certificate, DD Form 214, Marriage Certificate if currently married, divorce decree or death certificate from any previous marriage. |
Can be submitted as early as three months prior to 62nd birthday for early benefits. Submit three months prior to desired date for start of benefits. |
Spouse Benefits
updated 1-27-08
updated 3-18-08
(Replaced defective fillable version of form with error-free fillable form) |
SSA-2 (97kb/316kb)
The wage earner, on whose earnings record the spouse benefits will be paid, must also complete SSA-3 (90kb/184kb)
Here are instructions for all required forms. |
Birth certificate (Korean citizen spouse must submit official Family Register with English translation plus notarized photocopy of military ID card), Marriage Certificate, divorce decree or death certificate from any previous marriage (except if divorce occurred in Korea and is recorded in Family Register). |
If spouse does not have Social Security number, also submit SSA-5FS (154kb/377kb) to apply for a new number. For Korean citizen spouses living in Korea, spouse benefits are taxed at 25.5% and tax is non-refundable. |
| Felony Statement |
SSA-795 (Felony) (fillable) |
Must be submitted with each new claim when using SSA-5 (mother/father), SSA-10 (widow), or SSA-16 (disability). |
This form must be completed by applicants submitting claims to SSA Manila. Form is pre-filled for no felony convictions. Change as needed. |
| Employment Questionnaire |
SSA-7163 (partly fillable) |
Must be submitted by anyone who is employed outside the U.S. |
This form is required for all applicants who are still working and who submit claims to SSA Manila. It is pre-filled for those with SOFA employment. If you work for a foreign employer, use this version of the form. |
| Direct Deposit Request |
Standard Form 1199a (fillable) |
In lieu of this form, applicant may submit a voided check or pre-printed deposit slip for the deposit account |
Except as noted, this form is required for all applicants requesting direct deposit of their Social Security benefits. Fill out only the first page. The remaining pages are automatically completed. This form may also be completed and provided by the applicant's financial institution. |
Medicare Part B
added 2-1-08
updated 3-10-08
Form SSAD-36CL must be printed and completed to submit with each claim form. |
Claim Forms:
Worker SSA-1 (138kb/280kb)
Spouse SSA-2 (121kb/360kb)
Use instructions to complete forms, if needed. |
Use if not already drawing Social Security retirement or spouse benefits. Submit original or U.S. Embassy certified copy of Birth Certificate and Passport |
To file for Medicare Part B only, use the appropriate claim form for the claim category. This special version of the claim form is identified by the notation "MEDICARE ONLY" across the top and it contains a preprinted required statement in "Remarks" above the signature block. |
| Child Benefits |
SSA-4 (134kb/336kb) |
Child's birth certificate, death certificate in the case of deceased wage earner.
If child is adopted, include certified copy of adoption papers. |
Use if you are drawing Social Security benefits for retirement, disability, or widow(er) as surviving spouse and you are caring for a U.S. citizen minor child. Benefits payable if child is under 19 and attending secondary school. |
| Mother's or Father's Benefits |
SSA-5 (99kb/336kb) |
Birth certificate (see above for Korean spouse), Marriage Certificate, divorce decree or death certificate from any previous marriage |
Used for the surviving spouse of a wage earner who is caring for the U.S. citizen child of the deceased wage earner (such as military retiree) if the child is under age 16. These benefits stop when youngest child reaches age 16 and mother/father is ineligible (e.g., below age of eligibility) to draw benefits in another category (retirement, disability, widow/er). |
| Widow(er)'s Benefits |
SSA-10 (142kb/267kb) |
See Korea Casualty for supporting documents and instructions |
|
| Lump-Sum Death Benefit |
SSA-8 (75kb/
149kb) |
See Korea Casualty for supporting documents and instructions |
|
| Disability Benefits |
SSA-16 (94kb/221kb),
SSA-3368 |
Birth Certificate, DD Form 214, medical evidence as required by SSA-3368 |
Applicant must be totally unable to perform substantial gainful employment. Benefits will not be paid until six months after onset of total disability, and will be paid until up to nine months after return to work. Widows who are disabled and unable to work become eligible to apply for Disability Benefits at age 50. |
Designation as Representative Payee
added 2-1-08 |
SSA-11 (167kb/288kb) |
Request to receive payments on behalf of a claimant who is unable to handle his/her own affairs |
Form can also be used by claimant to receive payments directly rather than having the payments go a representative payee |
| Supplementing Claims Information |
SSA-795 (83kb/94kb) |
If you have submitted a claim and SSA requests additional information, use this form to provide explanations or as a transmittal form to send the additional requested information. |
Mail to the same address to which you sent the original claim unless a different mailing address is specified in the request from SSA |
Benefits Estimate
updated 5-15-11 |
SSA-7004 |
None |
Mail to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Administration
DPO AP 96515-1000 |
Notes: (updated 5-15-11)
* Supporting documents must be originals or certified copies. Notarized copies are not acceptable, except for military records such as DD Form 214. If you send originals, you can request that they be returned. However, the MRAO recommends that originals be submitted to the U.S. Embassy for cetification. For Social Security applications prepared on paper forms, the Embassy will provide one certified copy at no cost for each supporting document. The Embassy will provide additional certified copies and copies for other purposes at $20 per copy per document. If supporting documents are not available, the applicant must order documents from the originating agency. For example, order original birth certificate (3 copies suggested) from the state records office where the individual was born and an official copy can then be submitted with the claim. |
| |
Applying for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) |
| CRSC |
DD Form 2860 (fillable) |
Medical and other records showing combat-related nature of disabilities |
Check briefing here for an overview of CRSC eligibility. Read the instructions on the form carefully. Mail to your service address
included on the form. |
| Supporting Documents |
Standard Form 180 |
Use this form either in standard (complete by hand) or (computer)
fillable format to request supporting medical and personnel records to support CRSC claim. |
Mail to address on the form. To get quicker results, apply on-line at http://vetrecs.archives.gov. |
| |
Applying for VA Benefits from Korea |
| Applying for Direct Deposit of Benefits: To speed up the process of starting direct deposit of your benefits, you can complete VBA Form 24-0296 (computer fillable), print and sign it and obtain a Form 1199a from your bank or credit union. Ensure the 1199a is signed, then fax both forms to 1-877-838-2778 using your telephone calling card or international dialing prefix (e.g., Korea Telcom prefix is 001) when calling from outside the United States. |
NOTICE: The VA started on-line applications at VONAPP as of July 16, 2008. |
| Korea retirees/veterans desiring information and assistance on eligibility for VA benefits, completion of forms, upgrading disability rating, etc., are encouraged to call the VA Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) office at Yongsan. Their number is DSN 738-5121, Commercial 0505-738-5121 or 02-7918-5121. The MRAO will gladly assist when asked, but the VA BDD office has the expertise. |
| Type of Application |
VA Form |
Supporting Documents |
Comments |
Disability Compensation
21-526b added 3-28-10 |
21-526, 21-2545
for initial claim and 21-526b to supplement a claim already submitted |
DD Form 214, medical records and/or other evidence of disability showing service connection |
Instructions are included with form. Mail completed form and any supporting documents to:
VA Regional Office
1000 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 |
Upgrade of Disability Rating (increased %)
21-526b added 3-28-10 |
21-526b, 21-4138, 21-2545 |
Medical evidence showing that condition of disability has worsened or onset of other conditions as a result of disability |
Same as above. |
| Medical Examination |
21-2545 |
Submitted when requested by VA, or with other documents for initial disability rating or rating upgrade |
Same as above. |
| Education Enrollment |
22-1990 |
DD Form 214 if veteran does not already have a VA file |
Mail to Eastern Region office at address shown on the form. |
| Home Loan Certificate Request |
26-1880 (fillable) |
None |
Home loan certificate cannot be used to purchase a home located in Korea. Mail to Pittsburgh, PA address shown above. |
| |
Updating Your Beneficiary Designation |
| Organization |
Form to Use |
Mailing Address |
| Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) |
SGLV Form 8721 |
Instructions for completing the form are included. Mailing address included. |
Military Retired Pay Arrears of Pay (AOP)
(This is retired pay accrued in month of death up to the date of death.)
updated 12/20/2011 |
DD Form 2894 (fillable) |
Mail completed form to:
DFAS Military Retired Pay
P.O. Box 7130
London, KY 40742-7130
Annotate "BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION" in the lower left corner of the envelope |
| Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) |
SF 2808 (fillable) |
Mail completed form to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045 |
| Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
SF 3102 (fillable) |
Mail completed form to:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
Federal Employees Retirement System
P.O. Box 200
Boyers, PA 16017-0200 |
| |
Survivor Annuity Eligibility Verification |
| Most of the agencies providing benefits to survivors require periodic recertification of the eligibility of the survivors to continue receiving the benefits. In most cases, recertification must be done annually. Failure to complete and return the completed and signed form will result in payments being stopped. |
| Annuity |
Form to Use |
Comments |
Mailing Address |
Survivor Benefit Plan |
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
added 3-07-10 |
Certificate of Eligibility (fillable)
For assistance in completing the form, see this template of what goes where. You can replace the info in the template with your own info. |
Form is sent about three months before the birthday month of the annuitant. If initial form is not received, a second form is sent to the annuitant. If that form is not received, the payments stop. |
Mail completed form to:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Military Annuitant Pay
P.O. Box 7131
London, KY 40742-7131
Annotate "COE" in the lower left corner of the envelope
or Fax to: (direct via Korea Telcom) 0011-800-982-8459
(other method, use prefix plus)
1-800-982-8459 |
Department of Veterans Affairs Death Pension |
VA Death Pension for Spouse without Child(ren)
added 3-07-10 |
Eligibility Verification Report VA 21-0518 (fillable).
See VA 21-0510 for instructions on completing this form.
To request direct deposit of VA benefits, use VA Form 24-0296 (fillable) |
This benefit is provided for low-income survivors of a deceased service member (non-service-connected death). Failure to complete and return this form results in suspension of benefits. If the recipient receives any other income (such as Social Security) the Death Pension is offset by the by the total amount received before deductions (such as income tax). For fields that don't apply, enter "N/A". When completing income information on the reverse side, be sure to indicate "0" income as appropriate, even in rows with no title. If lines are blank, form will be returned. |
Mail completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 42000
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Annotate "EVR" in the lower left corner of the envelope |
VA Death Pension for Spouse with Child(ren)
added 3-07-10 |
Eligibility Verification Report VA 21-0519S (fillable).
See VA 21-510 for instructions on completing this form.
To request direct deposit of VA benefits, use VA Form 24-0296 (fillable) |
This benefit is provided for low-income survivors of a deceased service member (non-service-connected death). Failure to complete and return this form results in suspension of benefits. If the recipient receives any other income (such as Social Security) the Death Pension is offset by the total amount of other income received before deductions (such as income tax). For fields that don't apply, enter "N/A". When completing income information on the reverse side, be sure to indicate "0" income as appropriate, even in rows with no title. If any lines do not have an entry, form will be returned. |
Mail completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 42000
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Annotate "EVR" in the lower left corner of the envelope |
VA Death Pension for Child(ren) Only
added 3-07-10 |
Eligibility Verification Report VA 21-0519C (fillable).
See VA 21-0510 for instructions on completing this form.
To request direct deposit of VA benefits, use VA Form 24-0296 (fillable) |
This benefit is provided for low-income survivors of a deceased service member (non-service-connected death). Failure to complete and return this form results in suspension of benefits. If the recipient receives any other income (such as Social Security) the Death Pension is offset by the total amount of other income received before deductions (such as income tax). For fields that don't apply, enter "N/A". When completing income information on the reverse side, be sure to indicate "0" income as appropriate, even in rows with no title. If lines are blank, form will be returned. |
Mail completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
P.O. Box 42000
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Annotate "EVR" in the lower left corner of the envelope |
Social Security |
Social Security for Surviving Spouse or Child Unable to Handle Funds
added 3-07-10
updated 5-15-11 |
SSA-7161 (fillable) |
This benefit is provided or the surviving spouse or child of a worker with sufficient work credits to have earned a Social Security retirement pension The form is used by a caretaker responsible for an adult or child who is unable to manage the funds for themselves. |
Mail completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Administration
DPO AP 96515-1000 |
Social Security for Surviving Spouse with Child(ren)
updated 5-15-11 |
SSA-7162 (fillable)
Instructions for completing the form |
This benefit is provided to the surviving spouse of a worker with sufficient work credits to have earned a Social Security retirement pension. Children age 18 and under are eligible for benefits until they complete high school or reach age 19. If the spouse is younger than 60 years of age (50 years of age if disabled), the spouse's benefits stop when the youngest child reaches age 16. |
Mail completed form to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Administration
DPO AP 96515-1000 |
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