Although it’s been a part of Embassy Brussels for more than 12 years, it comes as a surprise to many that we have our own Social Security office. Perhaps its name is the problem. “Federal Benefits Unit" (FBU) does not immediately suggest retirement pensions. But retirement pensions are what the FBU handles, among many other duties. From dealing with first-time Social Security number applications for newborn infants to claims for retirement, survivor, and disability benefits, the FBU is, in effect, a Social Security office.
Servicing more than 6,000 Social Security beneficiaries in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, the FBU can advise on the intricacies of the U.S. Social Security agreements with these three countries. These agreements help individuals who have worked for brief periods in the U.S. or in one of the three countries when they would not normally be entitled to benefits. For those already receiving pensions, the FBU can arrange for payment to be made directly into a Belgian or Dutch bank account in Euros, thus avoiding hefty conversion charges. If you have ever worked in the U.S., even for a brief period of time, and you are nearing retirement age (for Social Security purposes this could be as early as age 62), it would be worth your while to contact the FBU.
The office also deals with Social Security number (SSN) applications. There are frequent changes to the requirements that must be met for a Social Security number to be issued. Recently, a requirement was implemented that all children age 12 or over have to be interviewed in person when applying for a Social Security number for the first time. The FBU can provide up-to-date information on how to apply for an SSN.
Further articles in this series will look into the requirements for applying for Social Security benefits as well as what happens when you receive Social Security benefits outside of the U.S. In the meantime, if you’re hungry for more information about U.S. Social Security, you can telephone the FBU in the Consular Section at (02) 508.2388 (mornings only). You can also log on to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/.
Basic information is available over the internet from all of the government agencies for which the Federal Benefit Unit provides services. • Social Security Administration These sites are designed primarily for use within the United States. The SSA and VA sites have special pages devoted to international issues.
• Veterans Administration
• Railroad Board
• Department of Labor
• Office of Personnel Management
• Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services
