Latest news with #FederalBenefitsUnit
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some Americans' Social Security checks may have been suspended — here's who is being targeted and what you can do
Around 68.5 million people receive Social Security benefits, which act as a reliable source of steady income for disabled and retired workers. But what if those checks suddenly stopped appearing? I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes Some U.S. Embassy websites have posted notices warning beneficiaries their payments may have been suspended. The alert targeted those whose official address on record is outside the U.S. Here's exactly who is affected, and if that's you, what you can do about it. Over 700,000 of those who receive Social Security benefits live abroad. A number of them may be surprised to find they haven't received a payment in February, prompting embassy websites to put up notices explaining why. It's to do with confirming one's eligibility to receive payments. Every one or two years, depending on where they live and the exact form that needs to be filled out, those who live abroad and collect Social Security need to submit a Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ), which is a document used to update or confirm certain pieces of information. This includes your name (or the representative payee's name), address, Social Security number and other details. Further detail can be found on the Social Security Administration website. Forms are sent out in the middle of the year and must be returned by the due date to ensure beneficiaries continue receiving payments on time. If not, their benefits might be suspended. Remember, this applies to those whose address on record is outside the U.S. Read more: Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) There are several steps you can take if your Social Security payments have been suspended. First, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and mention your situation, and someone there should be able to help. You may be told to contact the local Federal Benefits Unit (which provides services to the Social Security Administration) to give them the needed information. Once everything is processed, you could start receiving a paycheck again in a matter of days. While you wait, it might be a good time to take a careful look at your finances. Now would be the time to tap in your emergency fund or rainy day savings if you need to pay for any immediate necessities. You may also want to consider temporarily cutting back on certain expenses and stretch your dollars where you can. It may not be fun, you can try cutting back on entertainment costs or beauty services until your Social Security payments get back on track. Jamie Dimon issues a warning about the US stock market — says prices are 'kind of inflated.' Crashproof your portfolio with these 3 rock-solid strategies One dozen eggs in America now costs $4.15 — and $14.35 for a pound of sirloin steak. Both record highs. 3 simple ways to protect your wealth in 2025 Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Khaleej Times
09-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
Some American expats in UAE can renew passport without leaving home; here's how
American expats residing in the UAE can apply for passport renewal or a change in the passport details without having to stand in queues or even leave their home. The applicant must have a valid mailing address in the UAE, and be a current resident of the country. American residents who wish to renew their passport with forms DS-82 and DS-5504 have two options – home pick-up of the documents and drop-off (after renewal) through Emirates Post, or using the dropbox at the US missions in UAE. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. What are these passport forms? The DS-82 form refers to the renewal form for a full-validity (10-year) passport. The DS-5504 form refers to the renewal form, if your current passport is unexpired, issued less than one year ago, and you are doing one of the following: Replacing a limited validity (1 year) US passport for a full validity (10 year) passport Correcting a printing error in a valid US passport Changing your name, provided you have supporting documentation What is the documentation for name change? If the applicant wishes to change the name on the new passport due to marriage, divorce or court order, it is essential to bring the original documents, in addition to a photocopy. The documents must also have English translation, if applicable, and may be one of the following: Marriage certificate Divorce decree Court order The applicant must also provide their Social Security number. If this was misplaced, you must contact the Federal Benefits Unit in Rome for assistance. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must sign the No SSN declaration for adults. Steps to apply Sign and complete the DS-82 or the DS-5504 passport renewal forms. Fill out the form online, and also submit a printed copy with the barcode Gather the documents to include in the package, which you are mailing or putting in the drop-box. Pay the required fees online at the US government's site. Then, print out the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email and include it in the package you send to the US missions. After you pay, and schedule Emirates Post or drop it at one of the US missions, passport processing takes approximately seven to eight weeks. The new passport will be delivered using your pre-paid, self-addressed envelope is using Emirates Post. If you use the drop-box, you will receive an e-mail and will have to collect your passport at the US mission where you dropped off the documents. Through Emirates Post If using Emirates Post to send your documents to the US missions in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, contact them at 6005999999 to schedule a pickup from your home. You can also use their website, create an account, and select a time slot. Passport renewal applications are not available at their physical branches. Pay Dh42 (rates may differ) to Emirates Post staff for the collection. This fee covers both the pick-up of the documents to be renewed, and the drop-off at home once the renewal process is complete. Drop-off at US missions The applicant can also drop off the documents at the US embassy in Abu Dhabi (8am to 2.30pm on Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 10.30am on Friday), or the US Consulate in Dubai (8am to 4pm on Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 11am on Friday. The timings may change, or missions may be closed on US and UAE holidays. Documents, cost DS-82 or the DS-5504 passport renewal forms. In addition to these forms, to know if you require any more, visit the official website of the US Consulate and Embassy in the UAE. Navigate to menu, click on US Passports, and select the 'find your form' section. One white-background coloured passport photo, with 5x5cm dimensions. The photo must be taken in the past 6 months, with no glasses. One photocopy of the data page of previous US passport The passport to be renewed Original name change documents if applicable, along with a photocopy of the same The DS-5504 renewal is free of charge; the DS-82 renewal has a fee of $130 through US or international credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer from a US-based bank account, Amazon Pay, or Pay Pal. Who is eligible? In order to use the mail or dropbox renewal along with the online payment system, you must:
