Message for U.S. Citizens: Changes in Social Security Administration Services

As of October 1, 2017, only U.S. Embassies and Consulates with dedicated Federal Benefits Units are permitted to assist with most Social Security Administration matters.  Here in Mission Turkey, we do not have such an office.  Therefore, if you reside in Turkey and have questions regarding Social Security Administration (SSA) services, you must contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. We are unfortunately unable to contact the FBU on your behalf.

The Federal Benefits Unit in Athens can assist with:

  • Social Security Number (SSN) applications
  • Applications for benefits, spouse benefits, survivors benefits, or child benefits
  • Change of address
  • Representative payee applications
  • International Direct Deposit (IDD) applications
  • Lost checks, suspended benefits

If you need assistance from FBU Athens, please visit their webpage at https://gr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/social-security/and review the Frequently Asked Questions located on that site.  In order to contact FBU Athens, you can:

For comprehensive information on SSA’s services abroad, please visit SSA’s “Service Around the World” webpage at https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/#_blank

Note: If you are already receiving SSA benefits payments, there will be no change in the method of distribution of those payments.

For further detailed information regarding Turkey and travel: