Q: I am an American citizen living in Jamaica. Can I get social security benefits?

Applicants residing in Jamaica may apply for retirement, disability, survivors, Medicare only, or auxiliary spouse benefits by contacting the Regional Federal Benefits Unit. The best way to submit your interest in applying for benefits to the Regional Federal Benefits Unit is by using our online form at jm.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/.

If you are eligible for social security benefits on your own social security record, you can be paid in Jamaica without having to visit the United States.

Q: Will I receive benefits if I am a dependent or survivor of an American citizen?

If you are entitled to benefits as the dependent (for example, husband, widow, child, etc) of a retired, disabled or deceased worker, you can be paid monthly social security benefits. You must make periodic visits to the United States to be eligible. For more information, go to

www.ssa.gov/international/61-011.pdf.

Q: I don’t want to have to go to the United States to apply for social security benefits. Is there an alternative?

The US Embassy in Kingston acts as a liaison to the Social Security Administration, and can submit documents and make inquiries on your behalf related to social security benefits. These documents include but are not limited to:

• Social security applications;

• Reports of travel;

• Assigning a representative;

• Change of address.

The US Embassy in Kingston addresses social security and other federal benefit inquiries on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 am until 11:00 am. No appointment is necessary.

For a full range of services available outside of the United States, eligible beneficiaries should go to www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm for a list of their nearest overseas embassy or consulate providing full services. For Jamaican residents, the office is in the Dominican Republic.

You can find more information on our website, www.jm.usembassy.gov or by visiting www.ssa.gov. Keep on top of embassy news on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USEmbassyJamaica/ and by following @USEmbassyJA onTwitter. We also answer general visa questions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.