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Federal Benefits

Federal Benefits Services

Did You Know ... ?
An appointment is required for assistance with Federal Benefits. To make an appointment please call 03-3224-5000.

Social Security

JPY Social Security Benefit Payments

Beginning in December 2012, recipients of United States Government Benefit payments who reside ordinarily in Japan, whose benefit payments are being deposited directly into a local Japanese bank account via Citibank, will have their payments processed in Japan via the Zengin Clearing System.

On your banking statement the following caption will appear "(Beikoku Nenkin) Citibank Ginkou" after the deposit amount indicating the origin/purpose of the deposit.

This update should be transparent to you, and deposits will continue to follow their current schedule. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the Social Security Administration Federal Benefits Unit office in Tokyo. We appreciate your cooperation during this implementation.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) deals with claims for retirement, disability and survivor benefits, Social Security number applications, and all post-entitlement activities affecting beneficiaries under the various programs.

  • General information:
    For general information on Social Security, please visit the SSA website (or if you have trouble connecting).

    If you experience problems accessing the SSA website, please contact Federal Benefits Unit in the Embassy Tokyo by phone: 03-3224-5000 (ask for FBU) or email us at: FBU Tokyo
  • Social Security Cards / Numbers
    If you are applying for a Social Security Number, or have questions regarding your Social Security Card or Number, view our Social Security Cards and Numbers page
  • Benefits Eligibility and Applications
    If you would like to inquire into your eligibility for Social Security benefits, and/or have questions regarding the benefits application process, please view our Benefits Eligibility and Applications page
  • Post-Entitlement Services
    If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, and have a question or problem with your benefits account, please view our Post-Entitlement Services page
  • Questions?
    Handy List of Social Security Frequently Asked Questions

Other Federal Benefits

Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) processes survivor claims, educational benefits, compensation and pension examinations, etc. For more details of benefits available and downloadable forms, please visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Office of Personnel Management
The Office of Personnel Management website offers information for federal employee benefits such as retirement programs, thrift plans, and health insurance.

Department of Labor
The Department of Labor website offers information on benefits programs such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and workers' compensation programs, (Black Lung, FECA, Longshore).

Railroad Retirement Board
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers comprehensive retirement-survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families. The RRB also administers certain Social Security benefit payments and railroad workers' Medicare coverage. Visit the RRB website for more information.

Department of Defense
All Department of Defense benefits matters are handled through the U.S. military bases in Japan.

Office Hours and Contact Info
Federal Benefits contact information and office hours