In the latest edition of "Ask the Consul," information is provided for U.S. citizens in Guyana on accessing Social Security services. The U.S. Embassy in Guyana offers limited assistance, with the Regional Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, handling applications for individuals residing in the Caribbean, including Guyana.
Applicants from Guyana can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) unit at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo via email at FBU.Santo.Domingo@ssa.gov or by phone at 809-368-7011 from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 AM and 12:00 noon. More details are available on their website.
Eligible individuals residing in Guyana can receive Social Security benefits through direct deposit to a U.S. or international bank account. The SSA unit provides guidance on payment options.
To apply for benefits through the U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, applicants generally need proof of identity, a Social Security number or card, proof of eligibility, and bank account information for direct deposit.
Social Security services at U.S. embassies are free of charge, though applicants may incur costs for mailing documents or obtaining certifications.
For more information about Social Security services and how to apply directly through the SSA, visit www.ssa.gov.
"Ask the Consul" is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy addressing questions about U.S. immigration law and other consular topics. Detailed visa information is available on several websites provided by the embassy.
Applicants are advised to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice due to frequent changes in consular processes and potential inaccuracies from non-U.S. government advisors.