Can you get US Social Security in the Philippines?

Many US citizens receive benefits while living in the Philippines, but whether yours continue depends on your citizenship and benefit type. Run the SSA Payments Abroad Screening Tool to check your own case. [We did not complete the tool for every scenario; don't rely on this page for eligibility.] Note: "Social Security" searches in the Philippines often mean the Philippine SSS; this page is about the US SSA.

SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) Manila

• The FBU at the US Embassy Manila serves the Philippines and over 40 other Asia-Pacific countries. Services are free.
• Services: retirement/survivors/disability claims, SSN cards, Annual Report forms (SSA-7161/7162), change of address, direct deposit enrollment, non-receipt of checks, earnings discrepancies, Medicare enrollment and termination.
• Email: [email protected] (fastest; reply generally in 10–15 business days).
• Phone: +63-2-5301-6200, Tue and Thu 8:00–11:00 AM Manila time (not on US/PH holidays).
• In person: appointment only, Mon and Fri 8:00–11:30 AM; email with subject "Appointment Request". No walk-ins; no phones/laptops inside the Embassy.
• Mail: U.S. Embassy – Manila, Social Security Administration, 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines 0930. The Embassy recommends courier after the 2023 Manila Central Post Office fire.

Source: U.S. Embassy Manila: Social Security (checked Oct 18, 2026). You can also use a my Social Security account from abroad (ID.me required for international addresses): ssa.gov/foreign.

Direct deposit to a Philippine peso account

• SSA's international direct deposit form for the Philippines is Form SSA-1199-OP77.
• The account must be a Philippine peso (PHP) account at a Philippine bank; payments are converted at the daily exchange rate (per the form, as reviewed in our research Oct 18, 2026).
• Philippine international direct deposit routing numbers begin with "70" per SSA's internal manual (POMS GN 02402.401).
• The FBU handles direct deposit enrollment (see above).

Want to keep money in a US account instead? That is a choice SSA allows in many cases [confirm with the FBU for your situation]; you would then move money yourself; see sending money to the Philippines.

Annual Report form: don't miss it

SSA mails Annual Report forms (SSA-7161/7162) in June; if you don't return yours, payments can be suspended starting the following February. Source: US Embassy SSA FAQ.

Medicare limits in the Philippines

• In most cases Medicare does not pay for care outside the US. The narrow exceptions (e.g. a foreign hospital closer than the nearest US hospital while you are in the US, or certain Canada transit situations) don't fit someone living in the Philippines. Source: Medicare.gov: travel outside the U.S. and Medicare publication 11037.
• Part D does not cover drugs bought outside the US (same sources).
• Medigap plans C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, M and N cover foreign travel emergency care that begins in the first 60 days of a trip: 80% after a USD 250 yearly deductible, up to a USD 50,000 lifetime max, per Medicare publication 11037. That is trip coverage, not residence coverage.
• The State Dept's Philippines page also says Medicare and Medicaid don't cover expenses abroad. State Dept Philippines advisory (Level 2, issued Sep 1, 2026)
• "Medicare portability" for the Philippines (H.R. 7442, 118th Congress) was a bill, not law. GovTrack
• Part B: dropping it and re-enrolling later can carry late penalties under Medicare rules. Get advice from SSA/Medicare before deciding [we haven't quoted penalty amounts].

Veterans

The VA Manila Clinic serves eligible US veterans for outpatient care and service-connected issues only; no emergency, ICU or hospital stays (State Dept). The FBU does not handle VA benefits.

Planning a scouting trip?

Most people who retire here visit first, often for a month or more. Compare flights from the US to the Philippines on Kiwi.com · see our Flights to Manila guide · stay connected with an Airalo Philippines eSIM (eSIM guide). Arriving? Read NAIA airport guide and eTravel registration.

FAQ

• Where is the Social Security office in the Philippines?
  The SSA Federal Benefits Unit at the US Embassy, 1201 Roxas Blvd, Manila. Appointment only; email [email protected] with subject "Appointment Request".
• Can Social Security deposit into a Philippine bank?
  Yes, via international direct deposit (Form SSA-1199-OP77) to a Philippine peso account; payments convert at the daily rate.
• Does Medicare work in the Philippines?
  Generally no. Medicare.gov says in most cases it does not pay for care outside the US.