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.
Please note that the Federal Benefits Unit of the US Embassy-Panama is a non-claims taking post and operates on an appointment only system for all routine services. FBU will not accept walk-ins for routine services.
To obtain information of the services provided, please choose one of the following options:
Contact Us
To schedule an appointment or to obtain information please send an email to Panama-FBU@state.gov. Please only send one e-mail regarding your issue. E-mail inquiries are answered within 3 working days.
Panama Address
Embajada de los Estados Unidos
Unidad de Beneficios Federales
Apartado 0816-02561
Panamá, República de Panamá
U.S. Address
U.S. Embassy-Panama
Federal Benefits Unit
9100 Panama City Pl
Washington, DC 20521-9100
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 see map below:
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.