I also never managed to get through by phone, it is extremely frustrating.

Both my husband and I tried calling the FBU and kept getting the dreaded busy message. The few times we were able to get through that automated message and thought we were in a queue for our calls to be answered, after 10 minutes it would revert back to the automated busy message. In the end, we emailed the embassy for an appointment and surprisingly received a reply within the hour for an appointment in 2 weeks. I think that’s your best way to go.

Update: Began calling exactly at 9:30 and a representative answered on the 14th attempt! Five minutes to complete, and cancelled in person appointment.

QUICK!!! Go buy a lottery ticket..... you just hit the lucky streak! Well done....

Wow, that is lucky! As it turns out, I received an email with an appointment to change bank details on June 5th so will go by train and spend a nice day in London as a reward. In the meantime I finally managed to change my address by email. After so many months of nonsense, I’m relieved. Now if I can just figure out taxes and giving up my green card, I might get some decent sleep!

Hi, I also tried to call to change banks from US to Uk, no luck crazy how that works, what email did you use to get intouch with them I sent one with that form online, not sure if it will get answered.please could you share the email address.Thank you

No problem, happy to try and speed up the process for you! Email them at the main email [email protected] and use the subject line APPOINTMENT-DIRECT DEPOSIT. Briefly state that you have relocated and need to change bank account details. You’ll need to include the following specific information:
1. Current drivers license or ID that shows your address
2. SS claim number (should be on your initial claim paperwork)
3. Current US bank details including routing number, account number, account type, and name on account
4. New bank details in the UK including address, sort code, account number, account type and name on account

When they respond with an appointment date and time they will also send more paperwork for you to complete. All appointments are in person, they no longer accept changes by email or phone. However you can update your new address by email if you haven’t already, to the same email address. If you need the details on how to do that, let me know. Good luck!

Thanks, I got my SS years ago not sure what you mean by SS claim number?Unless you mean SS number

No it’s not the same as your actual SS number. It’s the reference number linked to your claim for SS benefits. I didn’t know what it was either but found it on my original letter from the SS confirming my claim. Maybe it’s something you can find online if you have an online account?

I have a lot of letters and my 2025 1099 statement that other orignal letter is long gone.I will look on line and see if it is on my account. I emailed them so will see how long it takes for them to get back to me

Hi,
Just reread your email, I did get a email back with to do online which I cannot get that SAP pin, so they said you need appointment and sent a load of forms, did you get them and fill them in?Also you said drivers lic,bank details,did you include these things in the first email you sent to them?

Here is the info I got from the FBU site. I followed the instructions and got an email back within days with an in-person appointment and some further bank documents to fill out. Hope this helps.

Effective April 14, 2025 requests to change bank for the direct deposit of payments, or requests to receive direct deposit for the first time having previously received paper checks or payment to a Direct Express card can no longer be made by telephone or in writing. Requests must be submitted in person by appointment only. Please contact our office by email to request an appointment. Please enter, Appointment – Direct Deposit in the subject line of your email. Beneficiaries residing outside the United Kingdom and Bermuda should contact our office by email for further assistance with direct deposit changes.

When submitting a request to change account or receive payment by direct deposit for the first time you should provide the following information at the time of your appointment.

1. A current, unexpired identity document
2. Your Social Security Claim number
3. Your bank details to include:

• The account details of the bank into which you are currently receiving payment if you are making a change
• Name and address of the new bank
• Type of account (Savings or Checking)
• Name(s) shown on the account

NOTE: With the exception of bank accounts in the United States, all payments will be made in local currency. The Social Security Administration cannot pay U.S dollars into a foreign bank account.

• For UK (Sterling, £) bank accounts: Bank sort code and account number
• For U.S (domestic) bank accounts: Bank routing number and account number
• For South Africa (Rand, R) bank accounts: the bank 6-digit code an account number
• For Ghana (Cedis, GH₵) bank accounts: the name and address of the bank and the 13-digit account number
• For Nigeria (Naira) bank accounts: Name of bank, NUBAN, and SWIFT/BIC code
• For Sierra Leone (SLL) bank accounts: Name of bank, bank code (3- or 6-digits), bank account number, SWIFT/BIC code

We may require completion of a Direct Deposit Sign-Up form if the bank information you provide is incomplete.

Last updated: April 29, 2025

Hi, Thank you yes I got an email saying that untill I change my address to a UK one they cannot change,I am at my sisters untill I get a Flat,so I will wait,going to Dawlish tomorrow to see 3 places