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bakirita

Aug 13, 2008, 9:35 AM

Post #1 of 8 (1857 views)

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Applying for Social Security

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My husband and I live outside Xalapa in Veracruz. We would like to apply for our social security. When I went to the online official government site, it said we couldn't do it online from MExico, but would have to go to the Mexican Embassy. They gave an office which no longer seems to exist. We have emailed and called and been told that we can only speak to someone between 7 and 8 in the morning or between 3 and 4 in the afternoon. We have tried these ours multiple times, have only gotten message machines on which we have left messages, and have not gotten callbacks. My husband finally lost his temper at the live operator at the Embassy who told him he wasn't responsible. He wouldn't direct him to a live person.

We use my stepson's mailing address in California for our US mailing address. Would it be legal, does anyone know, to use this for our social security address?

And has anyone figured out another way to do it here in Mexico?

Many thanks ahead of time for any help you can offer.

esperanza

Aug 13, 2008, 9:51 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1853 views)

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Re: [bakirita] Applying for Social Security

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Because you tried to apply once using your Mexican address, the Social Security Administration now knows that you live in Mexico. You will not be able to use an address in the USA to make your application.

In order to apply for Social Security, you will have to go in person to the American consulate or embassy nearest you. That would be the American Embassy in Mexico City. It's lovely in Mexico City this time of year; plan a short trip during the week and enjoy yourselves after finishing your business at the embassy.

I recently had reason to do business with that office and arrived without an appointment. The wait time was less than 15 minutes and my situation was resolved immediately by efficient personnel. You do need to arrive prior to one o'clock.

Be prepared to submit to USA security measures upon entering the building.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

bakirita

Aug 13, 2008, 11:02 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1835 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Applying for Social Security

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I ffinally sent email to the Embassy again pointing out that it had not been answered and that our phone messages hadn't been either. I sent it to the person the original was forwarded to and the person who forwarded it. Not ten minutes later, the phone rang. We are being sent our applications by DHL. We can fill them out and send them with the required documentation back to the Embassy via DHL. Yay!

Ed and Fran

Aug 13, 2008, 11:19 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1834 views)

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Re: [bakirita] Applying for Social Security

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Since I'm getting close to applying, what is the required documentation?

Ed

bakirita

Aug 13, 2008, 11:23 AM

Post #5 of 8 (1832 views)

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Re: [Ed and Fran] Applying for Social Security

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You need originals of birth certificate and marriage license and a copy of your passport. Also, th routing number and the account number of the bank account if you want it direct deposited. They will return the birth certificate and marriage license via DHL.

Ed and Fran

Aug 13, 2008, 11:29 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1828 views)

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Re: [bakirita] Applying for Social Security

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Thanks, I believe I can locate those. I'll probably apply in person since we're always looking for an excuse to make a trip to Mexico City.

Thanks again

Ed

El Príncipe

Aug 13, 2008, 8:02 PM

Post #7 of 8 (1771 views)

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Re: [Ed and Fran] Applying for Social Security

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If you had any military service, take along copies of the DD214s. A special, beneficial computation is applied for those years.

Chuck77

Sep 1, 2008, 6:58 PM

Post #8 of 8 (1660 views)

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Re: [bakirita] Applying for Social Security

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Have you contacted the 800# for the SSA in the US?