August 10-14: US Federal Benefits Team Brings Walk-In Social Security Retirement Benefits Help to Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia
The US Embassy in Bogotá says representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Unit will be in Bogotá and Medellín from August 10 through August 14 to provide in-person Social Security services and assistance with other federal benefits for US citizens living in Colombia.
According to the embassy’s July 28 notice, service will run at Centro Colombo Americano in Bogotá and Centro Colombo Americano in Medellín on a walk-in basis. No appointment is required, but access to a representative is limited to a controlled number of tickets handed out daily at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Locations and hours
In Medellín, the unit will be at Centro Colombo Americano, Carrera 45 No. 53-24, Monday through Friday, August 10-14, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Friday hours ending at 2:00 p.m.
In Bogotá, service will be at Centro Colombo Americano, Calle 98 No. 17-32, Monday through Thursday, August 10-13, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The embassy’s notice does not list Bogotá hours for Friday, August 14.
“Access to a representative is limited to a controlled number of tickets handed out daily at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.” — US Embassy Bogotá
Proof of life forms can be dropped off without waiting
Beneficiaries whose Social Security number ends in 50 through 99 may drop off a completed and signed Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire, form SSA-7162 or SSA-7161, at either location during service hours without waiting for a representative.
What to bring
The embassy is asking anyone seeking pension benefits, a Social Security number, or a bank account change to come prepared with both the original and a copy of all required documents, plus the applicable form.
For a direct deposit change, bring form SSA-1199-OP69 and a valid photo ID. For a new application for Social Security benefits, each applicant needs an original and a copy of their birth certificate and US passport; those applying for auxiliary or survivor’s benefits as the spouse of a deceased beneficiary also need the original and a copy of the marriage and death certificates. For a Social Security number card application, each applicant needs an original and a copy of their birth certificate and US passport, along with a completed form SS-5FS.
The embassy directs anyone with questions about the full range of Regional Federal Benefits Unit services to its service page, or to reach the embassy through its consular contact form or by phone at +57-1-275-2000. US citizens in Barranquilla can also reach the US Consular Agency there at [email protected].
The embassy is also encouraging US citizens in Colombia to follow the U.S. Citizen Alerts – Colombia channel on WhatsApp for future security and services updates.
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