Even if you meet the requirements for payments that depend on citizenship and are described above, it does not mean that you will be able to receive your benefits while in Belarus. This is because some countries are subject to additional restrictions. Please read carefully the below information to learn about the nonpayment rule in Ukraine and how to apply for an exception. Please note that these restrictions on payments pertain to both citizens of the U.S. and other countries.

Restrictions on Payments to SSA Beneficiaries in Belarus

 

Social Security restrictions prohibit payments to beneficiaries residing in some countries including Belarus (later in this section referred to as restricted payment countries). No payments can be made to an individual in restricted payment countries because arrangements cannot be made for the orderly distribution of checks. In addition, SSA has been unable to secure assurance from the appropriate officials in those countries of free access to beneficiaries and vital statistics records.

Payment restrictions result directly from the fact of residency in a restricted country and are not related to where the payments are sent. Electronic deposit in a non-restricted country or delivery of checks to an address in such a country will not waive the restrictions. For example, beneficiaries physically present in Belarus and receiving benefits to a bank in the U.S. are still subject to restrictions.

However, SSA can make exceptions to this nonpayment rule for certain eligible individuals who are otherwise qualified to receive their benefits outside the U.S. Please see the information above to see if you qualify.

In order to apply for an exception you must agree to specific conditions. Please carefully read the information below for detailed information.

Who is subject to payment restrictions?

• SSA applicants (individuals filing applications for benefits) who are physically present in Belarus.
• SSA beneficiaries (individuals already receiving SSA benefits) who come to Belarus for more than 30 days. By law, SSA beneficiaries are obliged to report their change of address within 30 days upon arrival in a restricted payment country. The change of address must be reported to the Federal Benefits Unit of the US Embassy in Warsaw, which represents SSA in Central and Eastern Europe.

NOTE: It is illegal to collect benefits while in Belarus without first reporting the change of address.

What residents of Ukraine can do to receive their benefits?

To help beneficiaries residing in restricted countries receive their benefits, SSA introduced a Special Payment procedure. By submitting a request for such Special Payment the beneficiary agrees to have his/her identity periodically verified. If the request is approved by the SSA’s Office of International Programs in Baltimore, the payments may be possible. Please note that each application is considered individually and SSA may or may not issue an exception to the general nonpayment rule.

How to apply for Special Payment – procedure step by step

To help beneficiaries residing in restricted countries receive their benefits, SSA introduced a Special Payment procedure. By submitting a request for such Special Payment the beneficiary agrees to have his/her identity periodically verified. If the request is approved by the SSA’s Office of International Programs in Baltimore, the payments may be possible. Please note that each application is considered individually and SSA may or may not issue an exception to the general nonpayment rule.

1. Contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) of the US Embassy in Warsaw for authorization. The authorization will be mailed to you and also referred to the American Citizen Services (ACS) Section of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk within 5 working days.
2. Contact the ACS at the Embassy in Minsk to make an appointment.
3. Please bring a valid document confirming your identity and citizenship (preferably a U.S. or foreign passport) with you to the appointment. The U.S. Embassy in Minsk will compile a package of necessary evidence and statements and will pass it to the FBU Warsaw for processing and subsequent submission to SSA in Baltimore, MD.
4. The SSA Office of International Programs in Baltimore, MD will make a determination on whether the exception to the general nonpayment rule can be granted. Such process can take 3 to 6 months.

How do I maintain my eligibility for payments?

Beneficiaries who were granted the exception under the Special Payment procedure are subject to identity verifications in June and December of each year. In order to have the verification performed you will need to:

1. Contact the Federal Benefits Unit of the U.S Embassy in Warsaw for authorization (preferably early June and December). The authorization will be referred to the American Citizen Services (ACS) of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk within 5 working days.
2. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Minsk to schedule an in-person visit.

NOTE: Payments to beneficiaries who fail to have their identity verified will be suspended starting from the month following the month of the scheduled verification.

Will my applications for SSA benefits and for Special Payment be processed at the same time?

While both applications can be filed at the same time, they are subject to separate procedures and cannot be processed concurrently. First, the benefits must be awarded and an award notice issued to the claimant. At that point, however, the payments cannot be released. The claim is subsequently referred to the Office of International Programs for determination on the nonpayment exception under the Special Payment procedure. Once it is granted, the payments can be released.

Can I apply for Special Payment if my benefits are suspended for another reason?

No. If your benefits are suspended for a reason other than residence in a restricted payment country, the suspension reason(s) must be addressed prior to applying for Special Payment.