The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in San José, with over 5,000 beneficiaries in pay status, accepts claims for many different types of benefits related to several U.S. Government agencies. At our office, you may file your application for retirement, spousal, widow/er, or children's benefits, among others. Beneficiaries receive their money from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or Railroad Retirement Board. 

The Federal Benefits Unit operates on a appointment only schedule. To obtain further information, visit the embassy page link below. It is very important to remember that for the protection of your confidential information we can only discuss your case with You and you must have your Social Security number in hand. Click on the link: https://cr.usembassy.gov/services/

The United States government has no higher responsibility than to serve and protect its citizens, including those who live or are traveling abroad. To this end, the American Citizen Services Unit in Costa Rica provides prompt, courteous, and efficient services to United States Citizens and other clients, consistent with U.S. laws and regulations. American citizens can apply for U.S. passports, document their foreign-born children who qualify as U.S. citizens, have documents to be used in the U.S. notarized, and request help in an emergency. 

Embassy business hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Embassy is closed on U.S. and Costa Rica holidays. For security reasons, Embassy visitors are not permitted to enter with bags or electronic devices such as laptops, cameras, tablet computers, or cell phones. The U.S. Embassy in San José is located at Av. O Calle 120, Rohrmoser. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is 506-2519-2000. Click on the link: https://cr.usembassy.gov/services/

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. Stay Informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe. Encourage your friends and family to register as well if they plan to travel outside of the United States. Click on the link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/step.html

Online Payment for U.S. DS-11 Passports Enabled -- The Department of State announced that U.S. Embassy San José is allowed to support online payments through Pay.gov in relation to DS-11 passport applications. Pay.gov -- a web transaction portal for public access to Federal agency services, sponsored by the United States Department of the Treasury's Fiscal Service. Click on the link: to visit the U.S. Embassy San José Passport Services website.

Hurricane Season 2025 -- The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, spans from June 1 to November 30. Stay informed, monitor local radio, local media, and the National Hurricane Center to be aware of weather developments. Inform your friends and family of your whereabouts. Remain in close contact with your tour operator, hotel staff, and local officials for evacuation instructions during a weather emergency.

U.S. General Services Administration -- International direct deposit (IDD) is a faster, safer, and more reliable way to receive your VA benefit payments. If you live overseas, consider enrolling in IDD to ensure your benefit payments get deposited timely straight into your checking or savings accounts. You can then access and use your funds within one to two business days of the payment date. Learn more at: https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/international-direct-deposit-flyer.pdf

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs On the website Explore VA you can learn about many kinds of benefits: health care, education, job services, home loans, housing, life insurance, pensions, disability compensation and much more. You can also apply for those benefits through the site and track the status of your claim. Log on to http://www.va.gov/

Contact the VA toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).

Special Notice: If you are a veteran in emotional crisis and need help RIGHT NOW, call the VA crisis line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, available 24/7, and tell them you are a veteran. All calls are confidential.

The "Personal Affairs Workbook" is strictly confidential. The Workbook is an extensive record of your personal life, family records, military service information, personal financial information, personal effects, and funeral and burial arrangements. As a member of the Marine Corps Warriors League Costa Rica, this is a valuable document - only you fill out. It will help MCWLCR to assist your family if something should happen to you. Receive a copy from the MCWLCR Commandant or Adjutant.

To receive a copy of the MCWLCR BYLAWS as a PDF file, contact MCWLCR Adjutant at mcleaguecr@gmail.com