Social Security and Other Federal Benefits
The Federal Benefits Unit of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem assists American citizens residing in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza in obtaining information about federal benefits, including Social Security. The unit offers appointments on Monday and Friday by appointment only. To request an appointment, send an e-mail to Fbu.Jerusalem@ssa.gov. You will receive a reply within ten working days. You may also contact the unit by phone at 02-630-4031 on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30-11:30.
The unit will not provide service to applicants who visit the Consular Section for routine passport and registration of birth services if they have not scheduled a separate appointment with the Federal Benefits Unit in advance.
Increase in Social Security benefits
On October 19, 2011, the Social Security Administration announced that monthly Social Security benefits would increase by 3.6 percent in 2012. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits received in January 2012 by over 55 million people. Medicare changes will be announced later, and for some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more details, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
Applying for a Social Security number
For information on how to apply for a Social Security number, please click here.