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Emergency Financial Assistance for U.S. Citizens Abroad

If you’re a U.S. citizen facing a financial emergency abroad, there are several resources available to help. This guide outlines ways to get urgent financial support.

Contacting home for financial help

  • Start by reaching out to family, friends, or your employer for financial help.
  • If needed, the American Citizen Services team at the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination can help you get in touch with them. 
  • Check the financial information on this page if you or your family need help transferring money or applying for emergency financial assistance in the form of a loan. 

Wiring money directly

Bank transfers

Deposits to U.S. bank accounts

  • Family, friends or employer can deposit funds directly into your existing bank account. 
  • Use your ATM card to withdraw abroad.

Bank transfers to foreign banks

  • Your loved ones can deposit funds from a U.S. bank to a foreign bank. 
  • Some foreign banks may require that you open a local account. 
  • Transfers may take several days to complete.

Money transfers via the U.S. Department of State: "OCS Trust"

Family or friends can send funds via the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. This money transfer program is called "OCS Trust."

  • The U.S. Department of State charges an annual $30.00 fee to transfer funds. 
  • The quickest way to send money to the U.S. Department of State is by Western Union. 
  • For non-urgent wires: Family and friends can also send funds using express courier service or U.S. mail, which can take from several days to several weeks to arrive at the Department.

Western Union Wires

There are 3 ways to send money to the U.S. Department of State by Western Union. We transfer funds during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. If funds arrive after hours, we process them the next business day.

  1. Call Western Union's Quick Collect Customer Service

    Dial 1-800-238-5772 and the agent will need the following information:

    • The code city for the U.S. Department of State is OVERSEASEMERGENCY DC.
    • The pay to name is U.S. Department of State, Overseas Citizens Services (OCS).
    • The account number should be the name of the country where the funds are intended and the recipient’s last name.
    • The agent will need the full name and location (city and country) of the U.S. citizen for whom the funds are intended.  

  2. Western Union's website

    • Visit Western Union. Register a new account or log-in for existing users.
    • Choose pay bills
    • Enter Overseas Citizens Service in the biller's name field, enter the amount, and select get started.
    • Select send online.
    • In the account number field, enter the sender’s telephone number. Then provide the name of the country where the funds are intended and the recipient’s last name. Don’t use spaces between words. 
    • Provide required payment information.

  3. In-person cash payments

    • To find a Western Union location, dial 1-800-325-6000.
    • Family or friends need to request a Quick Collect form and complete fields #1 and #2 only. Once both fields are complete, they need to sign the form.

Express courier service or U.S. postal service mail

We do not recommend these methods for emergencies or other urgent situations.

  • Express courier service delivery may take 3-4 days to reach our office.  
  • U.S. Postal Service mail may take 3-4 weeks because of the Department of State’s internal mail-screening security procedures.  
  • We accept cashier’s checks or money orders only.

Friends or family need to make the check or money order payable to "Department of State, Overseas Citizens Services (OCS)" for the required amount plus the $30 processing fee.

They need to send the check or money order, along with any instructions, to:

U.S. Department of State 
Overseas Citizens Services, SA-17 (10th Floor) 
2201 C Street, NW 
Washington, D.C. 20520

They must include:

  • The full name and location, including city and country, of the U.S. citizen recipient.
  • Their full name, address, and telephone number.

For more information

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services

U.S. repatriation loans

These loans may be available in specific cases for destitute U.S. citizens needing to return to the United States. Repatriation loans may cover: 

  • Transportation expenses
  • Temporary food, lodging, and fees
  • Medical expenses, if needed, to stabilize the U.S. citizen for return to the United States

Your passport will be restricted until you pay the loan back. The embassy or consulate can explain eligibility requirements when you apply.

Emergency medical and dietary assistance: "EMDA II Loan"

These loans may be available in specific cases for destitute U.S. citizens who are not returning to the United States. EMDA loans may cover emergency medical attention and other emergency assistance. Your passport will be restricted until you pay the loan back.  The embassy or consulate can explain eligibility requirements when you apply.

Destitute U.S. citizens abroad

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for your destination. You can also contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, for more options and eligibility. 

Last Updated: August 11, 2025

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