Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Social Security and Veteran's Benefits

Q: I was receiving social security benefits in the United States. Can I receive them in Costa Rica?

A: Yes, if you are the direct beneficiary. If you are the child, surviving spouse, or dependent, please contact the FBU. At the present time, the direct beneficiary may either have checks sent to a bank in the United States and withdraw money in Costa Rica using a debit card or bank transfer, or you may have the checks sent to your address in Costa Rica. The Embassy will receive the checks and have them sent registered mail to the address on file at the Embassy. (You must provide the proper address.)

Q: Is there direct deposit with Costa Rican based banks?

A: At the present time this service is not available in Costa Rica

Q: Can I use an U.S. mailing address to receive my social security checks while living in Costa Rica?

A: According to SSA regulations you cannot use an U.S. mailing address unless you are physically present in the U.S.

Q: Can I use Medicare in Costa Rica?

A: No, there is no Medicare coverage in Costa Rica or in any other country outside of the United States.

Q: If I live in Costa Rica, should I pay for outpatient coverage under Medicare?

A: This is a voluntary premium that does not have much use in Costa Rica. If you are travelling between Costa Rica and the United States, your premium will cover you for outpatient services when in the U.S.

Q: I don’t have outpatient coverage right now, but do want to enroll for this coverage. How do I do this?

A: Open season is from January through March, and the coverage will start in July of the same year. You may come in during Federal Benefits Unit Hours, Monday-Friday 8-11:30 a.m. or Monday afternoons 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and request form 40-B.

Q: Who handles claims for foreign medical treatment under the Veteran's Administration?

The Denver Veteran's Affairs office handles the claims. They may be reached at: 303-331-7590(tel)/303-331-7803(fax). We regret that the Embassy cannot process these claims.

Q: I am a full service U.S. veteran. Can I receive coverage over here for my service connected disabilities?

A: Yes, you can be reimbursed for medical treatment, but this is limited to service-connected-disabilities ONLY. The Veteran’s Administration/Foreign Medical Program Office in Denver, Colorado sets the protocol on how to approve claims. See telephone and fax numbers above.

Q: I am married and would like my spouse to receive survivor Social Security benefits upon my death. Can s/he?

A: Your spouse would be eligible at age 60, if s/he had been married for over one year to you and had not remarried. Please contact the Federal Benefits Unit of the Embassy for specific requirements.

Q: Does my non-U.S. citizen spouse need to have physical presence in the U.S. to be eligible for Social Security survivor’s benefits?

A: There is normally some physical presence requirement; however, the exact requirements vary on a case-by-case basis. Physical presence requirements also vary for continued receipt of benefits. Please contact the Federal Benefits Unit for specific details on your case.

Q: Are children eligible for survivor benefits?

A: If they are U.S. citizens there are no restrictions on eligibility. If they are non-U.S. citizens there are physical presence requirements. Please contact the Federal Benefits Unit for more details.

Q: I have other questions regarding social security. Are there local sources of information?

A: The Federal Benefits Unit from 8:00 - 11:30a.m. Monday through Friday and Monday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Q: If I work outside of the U.S., will this affect my benefits?

A: Only after age 65 may you work without your earnings affecting your pension.

Q: While in Costa Rica can I apply for Social Security numbers for my children?

A: Yes, but they must be either U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S.

Q: Can my non-U.S. citizen spouse receive a Social Security number?

A: Only if she is a legal resident of the U.S. S/he may apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) at the U.S. Embassy any morning between 8:00 and 11:30.

Q: How soon can I apply for my retirement benefits?

A: Three months prior to your 62^nd birthday.

Q: Do I need to travel to the U.S. to apply for Social Security benefits?

A: No, you may apply at the U.S. Embassy Mon-Fri from 8:00 to 11:30 am, and on Monday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Contact us: 
PH: (506) 519-2228 FAX: (506) 220-2455 
email: consularsanjose@state.gov