When applying for a CRBA and first-time passport, applicants can also apply for a Social Security number by submitting form SS-5-FS.
Unless one has an appointment for a first-time passport, it is extremely difficult to apply for Social Security in Israel at this time.
It is possible to apply by mail but this requires sending original documents, which is strongly not recommended. It is preferable to apply for Social Security while in the US, rather than by mail in Israel. See here.
Applicants Over Age 12
Applicants over age 12 must appear at the Social Security Administration with one parent.
Request an appointment by emailing FBU.Jerusalem@ssa.gov. It is extremely difficult to receive an appointment.
Submit the following original documents plus a copy of each:
- Application for a Social Security Card from Abroad, form SS-5-FS, filled out in capital block letters. All questions must be filled out legibly.
Note
A parent may sign for children up to age 18; from age 12, the child may sign independently.
- Proof of age of applicant: Original U.S. birth certificate (if unavailable, complete Form SSA-L706), foreign birth certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship of applicant: Original U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport; original Consular Report of Birth Abroad; or original Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate.
- Proof of ID of applicant: Original U.S. passport or original foreign passport, unexpired and signed.
Note
One document that fulfills more than one of the above requirements can be used for both. There is no need to submit 3 separate documents (e.g., an applicant can submit their US birth certificate or CRBA as proof of age and citizenship and a passport as proof of identity).
- If a parent signs the application: Proof of the parent’s ID: eg: U.S. or foreign unexpired and signed passport, driver’s license; or photo ID card.
Applications from within Israel may take 10-12 months to process. Applying in the US is strongly recommended.
Tip
When applying within Israel at a CRBA appointment or by mail, it is recommended to provide a U.S. address for mailing the card.
Note
Replacing or amending a social security card (including a name change) must be done in the U.S.
Contacting the Federal Benefits Unit
Learn more about Social Security in Israel here.
For any questions or assistance required regarding Social Security, send an email to FBU.Jerusalem@ssa.gov.
Tip
The Social Security Administration in Israel is hard to reach. Whenever possible, submit applications in the U.S.
Social Security Application For Children under 12 via Mail in The U.S.
Note
Each branch may have specific requirements. Confirm with the branch before mailing.
Mail the following documents with FedEx from within the US with a tracking number (no return envelope needed):
- Application form SS5-FS. (include U.S. mailing address in section 16)
- Proof of citizenship – US passport or CRBA of child
- Proof of age – CRBA (foreign birth certificate might be accepted)
- Proof of ID –
- For child: needs to include the child’s name, date of birth, parents’ names and recent photo of the child
- For parent: photo ID, ie valid driver’s license or US passport, signed
If the child does not have a passport: Send a letter from a US doctor (or school when relevant) on official stationary, with the child’s name, date of birth, and names and details of parents. Include the child’s CRBA to prove citizenship.
Mail to the nearest office of the SSA. Clarify with the branch first if they accept mail-in applications!
Tip
The Monsey branch does NOT accept mail-ins or walk-ins.
For example, in NY:
US Social Security Administration
154 Pierrepoint Street 6th floor, Brooklyn NY 11201
It should take between 2-4 weeks to arrive.
