Federal Benefits

Federal Benefits and Social Security Numbers

The Social Security Administration (SSA) deals with claims for retirement, disability and survivor benefits, Social Security number applications, all post-entitlement activities affecting beneficiaries under the various programs, changes of address, issues involving direct deposit of SSA checks, non-receipt of check allegations, and death terminations.

If you are a U.S. citizen born and residing in Libya, you may apply for a social security card or replacement card at the U.S. Liaison Office, and we will forward your application to the Social Security Administration's regional office in Rome.

If you are a U.S. citizen born in the U.S, please forward your application to SSA, which will send you your card directly.  The Social Security Administration website has a downloadable application form, Form SS-5, to use to apply for a Social Security Card and tells you what kind of identification you need to send along with your application form. We will not be able to give you a status report on your application.

If you would like information on how to apply for social security retirement benefits, or for instructions on how to replace, correct, or change your name on your Social Security Card, please go to the Social Security Administration website. This site also has a downloadable application form, Form SS-5, to use to apply for a Social Security Card and tells you what kind of identification you need to send along with your application form.

You may also go directly to the Social Security Handbook, which gives general information about Social Security Programs. The website also has a list of all publications and a list of all downloadable forms.