SSA-21 - Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States

What is the SSA 21 Form?

The SSA 21 form, as mentioned earlier, is an essential document for individuals residing outside the United States. It aids in ensuring that these individuals continue to receive their social security benefits, regardless of their location worldwide. However, managing this form can sometimes be a daunting task due to its complexities and confusing instructions.

Purpose of form SSA 21

Now, it’s crucial to understand the role of form SSA 21. Form SSA 21, or the Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States, primarily serves the purpose of a supplement to the original claim for Social Security benefits by a U.S citizen residing outside the United States. This form becomes essential as it helps keep the Social Security Administration (SSA) updated about your current status.

How to Fill Out SSA-21 Form

Completing the SSA-21, Supplement to Claim of Person Outside the United States, on PDFliner involves the following steps:

1. Start by entering the full name and Social Security number of the worker on whose earnings the claim is based at the top of the form.
2. Fill out the Dates Lived in the U.S. section by listing the total number of years the worker has lived in the U.S. Specify the periods from (Month-Day-Year) and to (Month-Day-Year), detailing the worker’s relationship during these periods and any countries of citizenship, including passport numbers and issuance dates.
3. In the section titled "For Each Worker Listed Above," continue to list the country of birth, the periods the worker lived in that country from and to (Month-Day-Year), and the current country where living. Repeat this for each person listed in previous sections as required.
4. If any person listed has been employed or self-employed outside the U.S. during the past 12 months, confirm by selecting "Yes" and provide their names along with the dates the work began. Attach Form SSA-7163 if applicable.
5. Under the section for U.S. resident status for income tax purposes, enter the names of all persons listed who believe they will have U.S. resident status while living outside the U.S. Add each person’s Permanent Resident Card number and the date issued. If not lawfully admitted, select "None" and provide explanations in the Remarks section.
6. Complete the income tax treaty benefits section by specifying if anyone intends to claim a reduced rate of Federal income tax withholding under an income tax treaty with the U.S. Use the Remarks section if additional space is needed for more names.
7. Fill in the residence address and mailing address where the mail should be sent while abroad, noting if it is the same as the address provided in previous sections or if an alternative address is used.
8. For the payment address, specify where payments should be sent while abroad, unless they are directly deposited to a bank, then skip this item.
9. Answer questions about employment or self-employment expected to begin outside the U.S., and if any benefits listed under Supplementary Medical Insurance should be terminated.
10. Sign and date the form in the Certification and Signatures section. If the form is signed by mark (X), ensure it is witnessed by two individuals who will provide their full addresses.

Remember to review all entries for accuracy before submitting the form to ensure all information is correctly reported according to the requirements.