PBGC cannot make direct electronic payments to an international bank. To pay our international customers, traditionally we have relied on paper checks. However, we are aware that some customers are having problems with receiving or negotiating U.S. checks in foreign countries. We have two options to address this, a wire transfer through the International Treasury Services program or Treasury’s Direct Express Debit Card program.
Individuals residing outside the United States might have to take different steps compared to those living in the U.S. Below are some examples of how the process can differ.
International wire
If you are interested in setting up an international wire transfer from PBGC, please visit Instructions to apply for international wire transfer.
Treasury Direct Express
Please notify us if you are interested in enrolling in this program. Visit Direct Express for information about Treasury’s Direct Express Debit Card program.
Tax withholding
If your address is outside of the U.S. or in one of the U.S. territories, you need to submit the IRS forms that match your citizenship status to provide tax withholding information. If PBGC does not have the proper IRS form on file, we will withhold 30% from your payments.
The U.S. has tax treaties with some countries. If there is no existing treaty, and depending on your citizenship status, your pension payment will receive a 30% withholding. If there is an existing treaty, the appropriate tax rate will be applied to your payment if PBGC has the proper IRS form on file.
Once you submit the correct forms, we will withhold taxes according to your request, in accordance with the applicable treaty for your country of residence and citizenship status.
For more information and to download the corresponding IRS forms, visit Change your federal tax withholding.
Foreign language services
PBGC offers services to help employees communicate with customers with limited English proficiency. PBGC has Spanish-speaking Customer Service Representatives for Spanish communications as well as telephone interpreters for communications in 150 other languages.
Participants can request PBGC correspondence in their preferred language. If needed, PBGC will translate letters, forms, and enclosures.
All correspondence sent to PBGC in a language other than English will be translated by PBGC.
For more information, visit the PBGC Spanish website or PBGC assistance in other languages.
Notarization
To have a notarized document from outside the U.S. accepted by PBGC, it needs to undergo an authentication process. This process varies based on the category of the country:
- Individuals residing in countries that have signed the 1961 Apostille Hague Convention can visit a local notary to have their document notarized and then obtain an apostille certificate from a Competent Authority.
- Individuals residing in countries that have NOT signed the 1961 Apostille Hague Convention can visit a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residency to validly execute the document.
If you submit a notarized document without authentication, you may be asked to obtain an apostille or authentication certificate before your documents can be approved.
Power of Attorney (POA)
Foreign POAs have different rules compared to domestic POAs. Make sure to verify your country’s requirements regarding witnesses, notaries (if required, see Notarization section), durability, and any specific rules. You may also use PBGC form 715 to name one or more person(s) to act as your agent with PBGC.