Applying for SS in the U.K.

The London Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) provides services for the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management, Railroad Retirement Board, Medicare, and Department of Labor.   The largest program is the Social Security Administration.

https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/

What's the FBU?

Yes, as mentioned, the Federal Benefits Unit at the US Embassy in London. They are, in effect, our local SS office.

I found good news too, when finding the link for you.

https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Social Security Online Services

Until now, you needed a U.S. mailing address to access Social Security’s free my Social Security account and use their online services. Now, many people without a U.S. mailing address can create a personal my Social Security account and use the online services with an ID.me credential.

Yes, as mentioned, the Federal Benefits Unit at the US Embassy in London. They are, in effect, our local SS office.

I found good news too, when finding the link for you.

https://uk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/

Great spot, it's about time overseas addresses were allowed.  I'll pass his info onto our 2 kids (in their 40's so not really "kids"  )

And note that the longer after age 62 you apply to collect benefits, the larger the benefit payment.

    You are entitled to a full benefit at full retirement age, which is 66 for someone born between 1943 and 1954. The full retirement age gradually rises to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.  You can claim as early as 62, but the benefit will be reduced permanently by a certain percentage for each month a beneficiary claims before full retirement age. The benefit rises 8 percent for each year a beneficiary delays claiming between full retirement age and 70. A lower-earning spouse can collect a “spousal benefit” that is up to 50 percent of the higher earner’s full retirement benefit. A widow or widower can collect up to 100 percent of the deceased spouse’s benefit.

Note also that it you work while living overseas, your benefits will be discontinued for those months in which you work more than 45 hours in the entire month if you are under full retirement age. Or if you own a business, even if you haven't earned a penny from it. Be sure to read up on the requirements:

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/   Search here for the pamphlet "Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States  05-10137, May 2023"

And note that the longer after age 62 you apply to collect benefits, the larger the benefit payment.

    You are entitled to a full benefit at full retirement age, which is 66 for someone born between 1943 and 1954. The full retirement age gradually rises to 67 for those born in 1960 or later.  You can claim as early as 62, but the benefit will be reduced permanently by a certain percentage for each month a beneficiary claims before full retirement age. The benefit rises 8 percent for each year a beneficiary delays claiming between full retirement age and 70. A lower-earning spouse can collect a “spousal benefit” that is up to 50 percent of the higher earner’s full retirement benefit. A widow or widower can collect up to 100 percent of the deceased spouse’s benefit.

Note also that it you work while living overseas, your benefits will be discontinued for those months in which you work more than 45 hours in the entire month if you are under full retirement age. Or if you own a business, even if you haven't earned a penny from it. Be sure to read up on the requirements:

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/   Search here for the pamphlet "Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States  05-10137, May 2023"

Good info Nan

And note that the longer after age 62 you apply to collect benefits, the larger the benefit payment.

Thanks Nan... this was all spelled out in the letter they sent me, but i need the money YESTERDAY, so will be grabbing it at 62!  Sounds too good to be true!

Note also that it you work while living overseas, your benefits will be discontinued for those months in which you work more than 45 hours in the entire month if you are under full retirement age. Or if you own a business, even if you haven't earned a penny from it. Be sure to read up on the requirements:

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/   Search here for the pamphlet "Your Payments While You Are Outside The United States  05-10137, May 2023"

Uh-oh.... i'd better read this. This doesn't sound good for me.... so i can't grab the SS money while i am still working in the UK?

Uh-oh.... i'd better read this. This doesn't sound good for me.... so i can't grab the SS money while i am still working in the UK?

Back down to earth with a THUD! 
Thank you for that link, Nan.
It's nice to know that i will be entitled to SS benefit, but looks like i have to wait until age 67 because i will still be working in the UK until age 67.

Back down to earth with a THUD! 
Thank you for that link, Nan.
It's nice to know that i will be entitled to SS benefit, but looks like i have to wait until age 67 because i will still be working in the UK until age 67.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings there.  It caught me out when I was over there - I wanted to work for a bit, and also to do some freelance work under my own banner. I had not heard of the "gotcha" about not receiving SS while abroad if working and it definitely put a crinkle in my plans! At least you'll have a nicer retirement cashflow?

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings there.

No bother... it's what i needed to know!   
If i somehow retire (stop working in the UK) before 67, it looks like i can claim the SS then, even though i wont get my UK state pension till age 67.

No bother... it's what i needed to know!   
If i somehow retire (stop working in the UK) before 67, it looks like i can claim the SS then, even though i wont get my UK state pension till age 67.

That is certainly the case.  Note also that, unless you have 30 years of SS contributions, that your SS will be reduced by up to $50/month once you start taking your UK OAP due to WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision), so if you are doing any budget planning then plan for that as well.

That is certainly the case.  Note also that, unless you have 30 years of SS contributions, that your SS will be reduced by up to $50/month once you start taking your UK OAP due to WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision), so if you are doing any budget planning then plan for that as well.

WEP?!?!
More fresh hell!!!   

My SS contributions will be something like 20 years or less, but thankfully $50 isn't that much to lose.

So, when it comes time for me to apply, the FBU sorts all this out for me?

Yes, the FBU will sort it out. They ask about all foreign pensions including OAP because all foreign pensions that pay out based on final salary is included

Update:
Today I had my phone interview with FBU to apply for SS. The agent couldn’t have been nicer, and it was very straight forward. I have some paperwork to do, but was assured it will be no problem and that my NI voluntary contributions will be calculated to bring down the WEP. My U.K. husband was interviewed too. He’s never lived or worked in the US but she assured us he was entitled to receive benefits just by being married to me. He does have to go to the embassy to get a SS number though, which I’m not too thrilled about. My husband is currently ill and unable to travel so his application is suspended but she said if he remains ill  for a long time, they would send someone up to us to assign the SS number..
What a pleasant surprise!

Update:
Today I had my phone interview with FBU to apply for SS. The agent couldn’t have been nicer, and it was very straight forward. I have some paperwork to do, but was assured it will be no problem and that my NI voluntary contributions will be calculated to bring down the WEP. My U.K. husband was interviewed too. He’s never lived or worked in the US but she assured us he was entitled to receive benefits just by being married to me. He does have to go to the embassy to get a SS number though, which I’m not too thrilled about. My husband is currently ill and unable to travel so his application is suspended but she said if he remains ill  for a long time, they would send someone up to us to assign the SS number..
What a pleasant surprise!

Excellent, well done.