Federal Benefits
Social Security
Our office is open to the public from 1:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, except on American and Ecuadorian holidays.
For telephones inquiries (i.e., those not related to a new claim), please call: 256-2890 Ext. 4523, between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. It is very important to remember that you must have your Social Security number in hand when you call.
Most FBU business needs to be handled in person. All beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries are seen on a walk-in, first-come-first-served basis. We only ask that you be patient, as some clients require more time than others and we therefore may not get to you as quickly as you would like. Rest assured that we will see you as soon as possible.
The Federal Benefits Unit can assist you with the following issues:
Applications for Social Security Card.
Applications for new, replacement duplicate and/or corrected Social Security cards.
Applications for enrollment and cancellation of Medicare.
Applications for retirement, disability or survivor benefits.
Applications for establishment of a representative payee (i.e., when the beneficiary is not able to receive or manage his/her own benefits)
Changes/corrections to your record (name, address, death of a beneficiary, etc.)
- Securing copies of Social Security records.
Obtaining information about U.S. Social Security coverage while you work in Ecuador.
Information about (and enrollment in) the International Direct Deposit (IDD) program.
Missing or delayed payments.
Record Keeping:
It is suggested that recipients keep a record of payments received: date, amount, agency (SSA, VA, etc.) This information assists in resolving problems with the non-receipt of payments and overpayments due to duplicate payments that may result in interruption of your benefits.
Beneficiaries must report to SSA:
- Change of citizenship, and address.
- Work outside the U.S.
- Disabled person returns to work or disability improves.
- Marriage, Divorce or annulment of the beneficiary.
- Adoption of a child.
- Child leaves the care of representative payee.
- Child nearing age 18 is a full-time student or is disabled or Death.
- Inability to manage funds.
- Deportation or removal from the U.S.
- Changes in parental circumstances.
- Eligibility for a pension from work not covered by Social Security.
It is very important that you tell us if your address changes so your payments will not be delayed. Even if your payments are being sent to a bank, you must report any of the changes described above.
Individuals who do not keep their records current may run the risk of having their benefits suspended.
Further Information:
The following links to specific U.S. Government benefits-granting agencies are provided for your assistance. Please note that these sites are designed primarily for use within the United States; however, the SSA and VA sites have special pages devoted to international issues.
