From the Embassies

El Residente 26 From the Embassies

US Embassy

ASK ACS

Q: Will the US Embassy provide COVID-19 vaccination for US citizens living overseas?

A: The US Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of US citizens overseas. The Department continues to proactively communicate travel advice and warnings to US citizens amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As part of our efforts to give US citizens timely information so that they can make informed choices about travel abroad, the Department advises that the United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private citizens overseas. US citizens traveling or residing overseas should follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination. US citizens abroad should also register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov) so they can receive important messages from their nearest US Embassy or Consulate, including timely alerts and updates to Travel Advisories. You can email any additional questions to: ACSSANJOSE@state.gov. We will respond to your inquires as quickly as possible. Updated information regarding COVID-19 in Costa Rica can be found on the US Embassy San José COVID-19 information page at: https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

IMPORTANT SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE

Periodically United States citizens residing outside the US, and who receive payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA), receive letters instructing them to complete and return an included form which certifies they are still eligible to receive those payments. (These are commonly called “Proof of Life” forms.) The letters are mailed out in May of the year and a follow-up is sent in September. Failure to complete and return the form can result in a suspension of payments. With regard to these forms, the SSA has issued the following:

Notice Regarding Forms SSA-7161 and SSA-7162

Because of postal service interruptions around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social

Security Administration has suspended mailing these forms. SSA will not suspend your benefits if you have not completed and returned the forms in 2020. SSA will resume mailing the forms at a later date when conditions have changed. More information can be found at: https://www.ssa. gov/foreign/index.html or by contacting the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) that services your country of residence. Servicing FBUs can be found here: https:// www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm