WBG Spouse ID

Security Card

PID Number

Work Permit

Social Security

Driver's License

Health insurance

Home/Car Insurance

Cellular Phone

Bank Account

Schools, Colleges...

Information Seminars

Public Libraries

Planning Ahead

Useful Information

Estate Planning

Below is some practical information on topics of importance for newcomers, especially those moving to the World Bank Group (WBG) headquarters in Washington, D.C. from overseas. WBFN and the WBG also offer seminars each year that deal with some of these topics; look for announcements in Mosaic and on the calendar of this website.

Obtaining a World Bank Group Spouse ID Card

As a spouse/partner, you are entitled to a WBG ID card which gives you access to the WBG buildings and facilities. To get this card, the staff must register you as a dependent with the Benefits unit and accompany you (or send electronic authorization) to the World Bank ID Office in the Main Complex (MC). You must bring some form of picture identification, such as a passport or driver's license. The ID office will take your photo and issue you a card, usually within a few minutes. If for some reason you cannot complete this process during your visit, a staff member can request a one-day guest card for you at the security desk. You'll still be required to show a picture identification to enter building.

ID Office
Main Complex (MC) Building
700 18th Street N.W., Washington DC
1st Level;Suite 120 Tel. 202-458-4486

Family Security Information Card

People are normally aware of G4 visas in New York and Washington DC. However, if you are held back elsewhere, or find yourself in a situation where authorities are unfamiliar with your special visa status, having a Family Security Card might help you.

The Family Security Card is available to World Bank staff, spouses, domestic partners and dependents. It is advantageous for each member of the family to have an individual card and be able to use the number listed for emergencies if necessary. The Family Card, as it is called, identifies the holder of the card as a World Bank Group family member and provides a 24-hour phone number to call in the event of an emergency.

Note: The cards can be requested through the Bank intranet at the following address. Only the WBG staff member of the family may make this request. The cards will be sent through the inter-office mail to the staff. http://gsd.worldbank.org/cf/security/family/index.cfm

Personal Identification Number (PID)

Every staff member of the World Bank Group who comes to the headquarters in Washington DC on a G4 visa, is automatically registered and assigned a PID number by the U.S. State Department. If the staff member arrives here accompanied by his family, all members of the family will receive a PID number at the same time. However, if any family members arrive at a later date, the staff must register them through the Bank after they have arrived. As the PID number can take some time to receive and is necessary for obtaining, for example, work authorization, it is important to apply for the registration as soon as the family member has arrived.

Note: The PID is issued by the State Department, but it can only be obtained through the Bank's visa services.

Work Authorization

Individuals on dependent G4 visas are prohibited from working in the U.S. unless they receive permission from the U.S. Government. The WBG Visa Office will assist G4-dependent spouses and children in applying for work authorization. Once permission is granted, you will receive an Employment Authorization Card (EAC). Be aware that this process can be severely delayed. More info...

Social Security Card

You can get a U.S. Social Security Number after receiving your work permit. Any Social Security Administration office can assist you, but the office at 2100 M St., NW, is recommended due to its familiarity with the not-so-well-known G-4 visa. More info...

Driver's License

If you are in the U.S. on a G4 visa, prior to applying for a driver's license you must obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of State verifying the employment status of the staff member. More info...

Health Insurance

The delivery of health care in the United States can be quite different from that of your home country. It is important that you fully understand the intricacies of you Medical Insurance Plan (MIP), plan to attend the introductory Health Services Department Seminar as soon as possible after your arrival.

Home and Car Insurance

When you arrive in the U.S. for the first time, you are considered not to have a traceable driver's record, making it very expensive and difficult to buy car insurance. Some WBG families have had good experiences with companies such as AAA, Allstate and Nationwide. It is also important that you acquire home insurance to protect your family and your valuables in case of fire, flooding, or a natural disaster, even if you are renting the house. More info...

Cellular Phones

T-Mobile has several different discounts and pricing benefits for World Bank/IMF employees / family members for personal phone use. T-Mobile utilizes GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology with domestic coverage in over 95% of the US population, and international roaming agreements in 136 countries! With a Dual or Tri-Band phone, T-Mobile subscribers have a one phone / one phone number global solution. You can view these devices n the web at http://www.t-mobile.com/products/. (Please do not order on-line as you will not be able to take advantage of the World Bank discount). Activation fees are also waived for World Bank staff and family members. There will also be a discount off the monthly recurring charges which should take effect on your second invoice. If you are a G4 visa holder without a U.S. Social Security number, an account can still be activated for you with two lines and no security deposit. The Bank unit handling this arrangement is Global Cell Phones": 202-473-1100. You can also contact Alex Torres (cell: 301-728-5211, or preferably email him at: alex.torres@t-mobile.com). Please note that these offers are not available through other T-Mobile sales channels.

Cingular Wireless also offers WBG families interesting discounts—no annual contract, no credit check and no deposit. Go on their website www.cingular.com /cell-phone-service/gophone for more information. The store nearest to the World Bank is located at 1925 K Street, Washington DC 20006 Tel. 202-288-9684.

Bank Account

Set up an account in your own name at the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union. Joining is free. Members have access to a full range of low- or no-cost services, from credit cards, checking and savings accounts, to car and real estate loans. Visit bfsfcu.org or call 202-458-4300. More info...

Education and Summer Camps

Families with children have to make decision concerning kindergarden, elementary, middle and high school as well as summer activities. we highly recommend that you get in touch with the Global Mobility Team and/or attend the many seminars and events they organize throughout the year. We have also a list of Summer Camps in the "DC metro area that you might like to consult. Alternatively, you could also have a look at very detailed offerings in the region.

Information Seminars

WBFN and various departments of the World Bank organize periodical Information Seminars on various subjects relevant to our members and their families, we strongly suggests that you periodically consult our website calendar for dates and venues for these events.

Public Libraries

More than books! Public libraries are an excellent source of local resources for both adults and children. They offer an array of research material, book discussion groups, programs for children and community events. Most services are free. Some libraries even host conversation groups for people learning English.

Planning Makes a Difference

WBFN members over the generations have found through experience that Bank spouses and families find the information compiled in this book very useful. WBFN strives to update this publication from time to time to keep it a relevant tool for our members. If you are a WBFN member and have not yet received your copy, click here for the pdf version.(Need the password ? Click here).

Chapters include: Living and Working in the US, World Bank Group Benefits (e.g. pension, travel allowance, etc.), Family Finances, Domestic Problems and Divorce, and Death of the Staff Member.

Useful Information

Our members frequently ask us questions and we strive to find and publish the best answers to the benefit of all in Dear Mosa.

Similarly members often share their personal experiences or information that we judge of global interest come our way, and these articles can be found in the "and more..." section of MOSAICplus.

This manual provides general information for our newer members. It introduces the many WBFN activities and programs, which offer opportunities to meet other spouses, make friends, share hobbies, and utilize you skills.

Chapters include: Your first days in Washington, About the World Bank Family Network, Useful Information, Housing, Childcare, Education, Health, Career Resources, and Emergencies.

Estate Planning

In the U.S., minor children whose parents suddenly become incapacitated or deceased will automatically be taken to foster homes. It is imperative that you have documents stating what should happen to your children in these cases. To be fully protected from the unexpected it is best to prepare a "Living Will and Medical Directives." Legal forms are available at www.lawdepot.com or may be purchased at any Staples or Office Depot store. This can also be done through a lawyer. WBFN offers Seminars on Estate Planning and Family Law regularly throughout the year. More info...