What is the Mission of the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) of the American Embassy in Panama assists U.S. citizens, Panamanians, and third country nationals who receive benefits from the Civil Service, Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We also assist former employees of the Panama Canal Commission that suffered on the job injuries and receive compensation from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs under the U.S. Department of Labor.

To obtain information of the services provided, please choose one of the following options:

• U.S. Office of Personnel Management
• Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Social Security Administration
• Enrollment in the International Direct Deposit Program (IDD)

Please note that the Federal Benefits Unit of the US Embassy-Panama is a non-claims taking post.

Contact us:

The Federal Benefits Unit operates on an appointment-only system for all routine services. To schedule an appointment or to obtain information please send an email to [email protected]. Please only send one e-mail regarding your issue.

Panama Address:                                    US Address:    
Embajada de los Estados Unidos             U.S. Embassy-Panama
Federal Benefits Unit                              Federal Benefits Unit
Apartado 0816-02561                           9100 Panama City Pl
Panama, República de Panama               Washington, DC 20521-9100

For e-mail inquiries, answered within 3 working days: Panama [email protected]

For automated information: 317-5030

To speak to a FBU representative please call (507) 317-5000 within the following hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10:30 am - 12:00 noon; 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Friday: 10:30 am - 12:00 noon

Our fax number is (507) 317-5303

Holiday Closures:
Please access the SCHEDULE of the days on which the Embassy will be closed. Unscheduled closures sometimes occur, and this information is typically broadcast through the warden system. Please access INFORMATION about registering with the Department of State to receive warden messages.

Location:
The FBU is located in the U.S. Embassy- Consular Section, Building 783, Clayton, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue next to Las Esclavas school. Please access the map to the Embassy.

Parking:
Parking spaces inside the Embassy compound are limited. Consular visitors may also park in the lot located immediately outside of the Embassy compound. These spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. If you are disabled or elderly, please click here for special instructions.

Security Requirements
Firearms, knives, explosives, impact weapons, caustic chemicals, chemical sprays, and fire starting devices are prohibited. Please do not bring mobile phones or any electronic devices, such as Blackberries, iPods or PDAs into the Consular Section as they are not allowed within the Embassy, those items may be secured at the security check point as you enter the Consular access control center. We strongly advise that you do not bring large bags or packages with you as we do not have sufficient storage facilities for large items.