If you reside in Chile and have questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For more information on their services and how to contact them, please visit their webpage at: https://ar.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/ .
For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World.
If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.
Enrollment in Direct Deposit
If you would like to open a Direct Deposit in Chile, please contact Social Security using this online form: https://ar.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/fbu-inquiry-form/
Applying for Social Security Card/Social Security Number
Only first-time applicants for a Social Security Number who are U.S. citizens and are over 12 years old may submit their applications through the American Citizen Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago.
See the following link for further information on documentation and scheduling your online appointment.
For any other request regarding Social Security Number cards, such as obtaining a replacement card, or first-time applicants under age 12, you must contact the Federal Benefits Unit in Buenos Aires using the online form: https://ar.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/fbu-inquiry-form/
Request a Benefit/Pension Certification letter
If you need proof that you are receiving Social Security benefits, you can request a benefits verification letter (certification). This letter is sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter”.
To request a verification (certification) letter at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, please request a “notarial and other services” appointment by clicking here.
On the day of your appointment you must submit:
- Valid U.S. passport or Chilean ID.
- Current documentation from Social Security indicating the monthly amount you receive. If you do not have any documentation from Social Security stating your current income, please use the online form to request it from SSA: https://ar.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/fbu-inquiry-form/. If you do not bring this document we are unable to provide this service.
- $50.00 USD notary fee. You may pay in cash (dollars or pesos) or credit card. No Redcompra or checks are accepted.
