All Social Security Administration beneficiaries and applicants living in Germany must direct all questions regarding Social Security to the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the U.S. Consulate General in Frankfurt. The most efficient method of reaching the FBU Frankfurt is by using our Frankfurt FBU Navigator.
If you are interested in applying for Social Security Benefits you will need to either apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply, call SSA’s toll-free international call center at 1-855-522-6936 (7am – 5pm Eastern Time), or mail a signed statement with your name, social security number, mailing address, phone number, type of benefit you want to apply for, and when you want your benefits to start to our office. If you are filing for benefits on someone else’s account, we need their name and social security number as well. Note: Emailed requests to apply for benefits are no longer acceptable on their own.
Additional information about receiving benefits overseas can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/
The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) administers federal benefits programs for residents of Germany and Liechtenstein from the following federal agencies Social Security Administration, Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Labor, and Railroad Retirement Board.
All Frankfurt Federal Benefits Unit services require appointments. No services will be given to those without an appointment.
If you use a wheelchair or motorized chair and need assistance, please have someone accompany you to your appointment.
Please also visit www.ssa.gov for more Social Security information.
The Social Security Fairness Act, HR 82, concerning the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, was signed into law on January 5, 2025.
