Ask the U.S. Consul:
Federal Benefits Unit
On December 7, 2005, FBU representatives held a Town Hall meeting with beneficiaries at the Consulate in Mérida. What appears below is a list of questions and answers of the most common concerns raised during the meeting…
Question: I have a question regarding my Social Security Benefits. How do I get in touch with the FBU Unit in Mexico City?
Answer: FBU prefers that beneficiaries contact their office via e-mail at [email protected]. Contact can also be made via fax (dialing from Mérida: 01-55-5080-2171). FBU prefers not to receive phone calls. If there is an emergency matter that cannot be handled via e-mail or fax, beneficiaries can call 01-55-5080-2706 or 5080-2852 from Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Question: I heard that there are hospitals being constructed in Cancún and Mérida that will accept Medicaid/Medicare. Is this true?
Answer: No. Medicaid/Medicare do not cover medical costs incurred outside of the U.S.
Question: I read in the newspaper that there is a new Medicare prescription plan. How do I find out more information and sign up?
Answer: Please visit http://www.ssa.gov/ or more information and online application.
Question: I recently moved from the U.S. to Mexico. Do I need to advise Social Security of my new address?
Answer: Yes. You must fill out a change of address form and form SSA-21 (Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States). Form SSA-21 and all other forms can be found on Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov.
Question: I still receive my Social Security payments by check. Is there anything I need to do?
Answer: Social Security now requires that beneficiaries receive payment via direct deposit in a U.S. or Mexican bank account. For more information and forms please contact FBU at [email protected].
Question: The FBU office at the Embassy instructed me to hand in forms at the Consulate. Do I need to make an appointment ahead of time?
Answer: Yes. Individuals requiring FBU-related assistance must call the Consulate in Mérida ahead of time in order to make an appointment. Please call 925-5011, ext. 230 or 220. The Consulate will forward completed forms to the Embassy’s FBU office free of charge. The Consulate will not send any correspondence to the U.S.
Question: I was not aware of the meeting at the Consulate. How can I find out about such events?
Answer: Please register with the Consulate! Stop by to pick up a registration form or register via the State Department’s website at https://step.state.gov/
US Consulate
Calle 60, No 338K x 29 y 31
Colonia Alcala Martin
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
Tel: (999) 942 5700
Fax: (999) 942 5759
Email: [email protected]
I need to apply for retirement social security benefits. Have appointment in Merida but unclear if they can forward forms so I do not have to go to Mexico city. I plan on taking forms and documents with me to Merida appointment.
Currently staying close to Merida. Recovering from dengue fever so could not make it back to US for a mother 2 mo. On visitor visa for now.
Can I take social sec forms to Merida us counsulate and have them forward to mexico
city. Need to apply for retirementnbenefits. Living in mexico near progreso.
Will I still have to go to Mexico city or US
Hola, I am afraid I don’t know the answer to your questions! You will have to contact the US consulate directly.
Tel: (999) 942 5700
Fax: (999) 942 5759
Email: [email protected]
Good luck!