Federal Benefits
Federal Benefits and Social Security
The Embassy of the United States of American in Belize is a non-claims taking post. We accept and certify documentation needed for federal benefit claims processing i.e., birth, marriage, death certificates, etc. We inform potential claimants of the proper channels for submission of claims, referring them to our Regional Federal Benefits Office. We assist whenever and wherever possible in obtaining answers for persons inquiring about claims submissions or federal benefits in general.
You are able to obtain application forms from this office for different types of Social Security and Veteran Benefits.
You may also report your change of address, death of a beneficiary, a lost or stolen check, and request direct deposit of your benefits into a U.S. bank account or the Atlantic Bank in Belize.
Before coming to the Consular Section, please contact us by phone at 822-4011 x4226 or via email at ACSBelize@state.gov since some issues might be resolved without you having to visit the Embassy.
Applications for a Social Security Number or to turn in documentation for forwarding to the Federal Benefits Office may require you to make an appointment and come the Embassy.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
To apply for a Social Security Number you will need to make an appointment and come to the U.S. Embassy Consular Section, window #4.
You will need to submit:
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A completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security card)
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Proof of Age: An original or certified true copy (executed by the custodian of records) of your birth certificate
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Proof of identity: A valid U.S. passport
Applicants age 12 or older must apply in person
NOTE: Applicants age 12 and older will also need to submit a letter stating the reasons why he/she has never obtained a Social Security Number & school records, employment records, and travel documents (e.g. passports) to prove that he/she has been living outside the U.S. continuously or from one point in time to the present. Parents applying on behalf of a child under 12, may sign the application on his/her behalf: Applications must always be signed by the applicant if he/she is capable of signing, regardless of his/her age.
Cards are sent directly to applicants and can take up to three months for processing. There is no fee charged for the issuance of a Social Security card.
For further information on services we provide, please contact us via e-mail at ACSBelize@state.gov.
Request an appointment.