Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 63
  1. #1
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234

    Social Security Retirement

    I'm wondering if anyone has had the same kind of situation as me. I'm 62,applied for retirement while here in Thailand, (anyone's age can be different,that doesn't matter), have a wife and little child here. I applied 3 weeks ago, and all I'm getting back is emails,asking for my current address, which I listed in the original application,and every email afterwards. The process is now in Manila,guessing that's who handles things when we're here), and still in processing stage. I emailed them,letting them also know my address here, and they emailed back,asking for some info,which I gave them, 2 days ago. I know there are thousands that retire daily,so I'm asking if anyone might have been in the same situation as I, child,wife etc, and how long it took to get paid. Everyone I've asked that has any knowledge has said usually a month. I sent copies of marriage and child's birth certificate,along with passport copies of my wife and I, to the Maryland address a week ago.

  2. #2
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    นนทบุรี
    Posts
    5,839
    Fred – thanks for opening this thread. Interesting to me, I’ll be applying in a couple of years.
    Below is the stuff from the Bangkok Embassy website. Pretty sure you have it all already. Anyway, in your shoes I would be calling and asking for status. Squeaky wheel and grease. Tel: (+ 63 2) 301-2000 ext. 9

    https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...cial-security/

    Effective October 1, 2017, all inquiries or questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) have been centralized to SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU).

    If you are living in Thailand, you MUST contact the SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) located in U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines directly.
    The SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines is the regional office for East-Asia Pacific countries.
    EAP Regional SSA Contact information:

    Social Security Administration
    U.S. Embassy Manila
    1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
    Manila, Philippines 0930
    Tel: (+ 63 2) 301-2000 ext. 9
    Fax: (+ 63 2)708-9723/ (+63 2)708-9714
    E-mail: FBU.manila@ssa.gov
    https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen...cial-security/

    Apply for Benefits Online
    You can apply for the following benefits online:
    1. Retirement at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/
    2. Disability at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability
    3. Medicare Only at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

    At this time, no other online services are available outside the United States.

    The online hours of operation are:
    • Weekdays 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
    • Saturday 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM EST
    • Sunday 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM EST
    • Holidays 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM EST

    To submit a Social Security application while you are abroad, please visit SSA’s webpage Service Around the World or visit www.ssa.gov for more Social Security information.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,214
    ...Fred: I would suggest calling Manila SSA and talking to someone in an office there. This is what I did when i turned 62...my first check was deposited a month later.

  4. #4
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234
    Guess I'll call. It was sent on from the US to Manila,where it's in process now,so at least it's moving. I emailed them after I saw it went to their office. They replied in 6 days,asking for my name,last 4 SS,address,etc. The problem with calling is my phone. I don't have a plan here, just a sim card and pay by the minutes, and when I tried calling the US SS #, it said expected wait time was 1 1/2 hrs, which wouldn't work. Maybe Manila is quicker answering?
    Last edited by fredwiggy; 28-12-2018 at 01:46 PM.

  5. #5
    Member
    tunk's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Last Online
    12-06-2023 @ 06:31 PM
    Posts
    692
    Yeah call Manila. I called them once, they were friendly and helpful.

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,214
    Quote Originally Posted by fredwiggy View Post
    Maybe Manila is quicker answering?
    ...definitely...and your Manila call will be transferred to an appropriate case handler...from now on, your SS stuff will be done exclusively in Manila...I found the staff there to be friendly, informative and able to answer questions or take action as the situation required...

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    May 2008
    Last Online
    01-05-2022 @ 06:28 AM
    Location
    NAKON SAWAN
    Posts
    5,674
    Quote Originally Posted by fredwiggy View Post
    I'm wondering if anyone has had the same kind of situation as me. I'm 62,applied for retirement while here in Thailand, (anyone's age can be different,that doesn't matter), have a wife and little child here. I applied 3 weeks ago, and all I'm getting back is emails,asking for my current address, which I listed in the original application,and every email afterwards. The process is now in Manila,guessing that's who handles things when we're here), and still in processing stage. I emailed them,letting them also know my address here, and they emailed back,asking for some info,which I gave them, 2 days ago. I know there are thousands that retire daily,so I'm asking if anyone might have been in the same situation as I, child,wife etc, and how long it took to get paid. Everyone I've asked that has any knowledge has said usually a month. I sent copies of marriage and child's birth certificate,along with passport copies of my wife and I, to the Maryland address a week ago.

    Nine no years ago I applied from Thailand by telephone to Manila,everything was done over the phone in less than a half hour.

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    May 2008
    Last Online
    01-05-2022 @ 06:28 AM
    Location
    NAKON SAWAN
    Posts
    5,674
    Quote Originally Posted by fredwiggy View Post
    Guess I'll call. It was sent on from the US to Manila,where it's in process now,so at least it's moving. I emailed them after I saw it went to their office. They replied in 6 days,asking for my name,last 4 SS,address,etc. The problem with calling is my phone. I don't have a plan here, just a sim card and pay by the minutes, and when I tried calling the US SS #, it said expected wait time was 1 1/2 hrs, which wouldn't work. Maybe Manila is quicker answering?

    Skype works great.

  9. #9
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234
    I have Skype but I'm not sure that SS would use it lol

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat
    Humbert's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Last Online
    08-01-2024 @ 01:10 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,572
    Manila required an interview by phone. You also have to set up a direct deposit account with Bangkok Bank and furnish that information to them. Took about two months to get the payments started.

    You will have to update your filing status and residence address yearly or you will lose your benefits so keep an eye out for the form that they send.
    This post has not been authorized by the TeakDoor censorship committee.

  11. #11
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234
    I have Bangkok Bank already so that's good. I'll call them monday. I'll go to the bank and fill out the form for direct deposit too.I'm guessing I tell the bank Social Security will be sending payments from the US to Bangkok Bank in NYC.,then to my branch.

  12. #12
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    May 2008
    Last Online
    01-05-2022 @ 06:28 AM
    Location
    NAKON SAWAN
    Posts
    5,674
    Quote Originally Posted by fredwiggy View Post
    I have Skype but I'm not sure that SS would use it lol

    Worked for me. Just put money into your skype account,five dollars would probably cover call.
    Last edited by RPETER65; 29-12-2018 at 01:18 PM.

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    May 2008
    Last Online
    01-05-2022 @ 06:28 AM
    Location
    NAKON SAWAN
    Posts
    5,674
    Quote Originally Posted by Humbert View Post
    Manila required an interview by phone. You also have to set up a direct deposit account with Bangkok Bank and furnish that information to them. Took about two months to get the payments started.

    You will have to update your filing status and residence address yearly or you will lose your benefits so keep an eye out for the form that they send.

    Is is the yearly updating only for those using a foreign address?I have never in nine years updated either my address or status .

  14. #14
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,214
    Quote Originally Posted by Humbert View Post
    You will have to update your filing status and residence address yearly
    ...or every 2 years in my case...accidentally threw out the form one year and panicked...Manila told me not to worry as a second mailing would be sent a few months later and only if that one wasn't returned would benefits be withheld...

  15. #15
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    นนทบุรี
    Posts
    5,839
    Don't have a link as I read this somewhere a few years ago. The "update" form is used to ensure you are still alive and kicking. All in response to a great many dollars worth of benefits being sent to "deceased" SS recipients. Biggest concentration on overseas recipients. Within the USA they can better recover funds sent to the deceased. Not so easy to recover funds sent to, then withdrawn from, a "deceased" recipient overseas financial institution.

  16. #16
    Member

    Join Date
    May 2013
    Last Online
    Today @ 04:56 PM
    Posts
    173
    A helpful brochure on receiving benefits while living overseas is found by searching for social security publication 10137.

    We are not full time residents here and see no need to deal with all the restrictions that come along with SS direct deposit into yet another account that can only be accessed in person with a passbook. When and if we cut all ties to the US we will probably need to comply with the annual questionnaire.

  17. #17
    fcuked off SKkin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    39.2014 N, 85.9214 W
    Posts
    7,554
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    accidentally threw out the form one year and panicked...Manila told me not to worry as a second mailing would be sent a few months later and only if that one wasn't returned would benefits be withheld...
    Welfare Queen...

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,214
    Quote Originally Posted by SKkin View Post
    Welfare Queen
    ...and I just received a raise from the gov't...

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat
    Humbert's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Last Online
    08-01-2024 @ 01:10 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,572
    Quote Originally Posted by bowie View Post
    Not so easy to recover funds sent to, then withdrawn from, a "deceased" recipient overseas financial institution.
    Hard to figure out how anyone could access US SS direct deposits sent to LOS via Bangkok Bank. You need to present your passport in person at the bank to transfer funds out and into a savings account. But I'm sure some clever widow has figured out how to do perpetrate that scam. Perhaps a stand in who looks somewhat like the deceased?

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,214
    Quote Originally Posted by Humbert View Post
    Perhaps a stand in who looks somewhat like the deceased?
    ...perhaps an ATM card that is mysteriously used even after death?...

  21. #21
    I'm in Jail

    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Last Online
    25-03-2024 @ 12:07 PM
    Location
    Bungling in the jungle
    Posts
    10,387
    Good info folks. And good to see Fred Wiggy still pushing on. I honestly thought you were a windup the first time I read your post about moving to LOS.

    Good luck to you and yours and have a happy new year.

    Fish.

  22. #22
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234
    I'm here, and thanks. Needed to be with my family. Isaan is boring, but if I can find places to fish, it might be less. Everyone have a happy new year also,and stay off the roads. I'm well aware by now the level of incompentency of those that drive here.

  23. #23
    Member

    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Last Online
    26-10-2021 @ 06:21 AM
    Location
    Kantharalak
    Posts
    234
    Have to wait until Tuesday

  24. #24
    Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    623
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    I would suggest calling Manila SSA and talking to someone in an office there. This is what I did when i turned 62...my first check was deposited a month later.

    I'd just add to this that buying at least a one month subscription to Skype for whatever region or country may be less costly in the long run.


    I don't know the cost to call the PI but for sure it only cost $2.99 per month for unlimited calling to the USA/Canada.

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat
    rickschoppers's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Thailand
    Posts
    7,171
    One very important SS note for the OP and anyone else who is receiving retirement benefits and has a child under the age of 18, that the dependant is entitled to 50% of your maximum but you will have to ask for it. I learned this from another friend who had been receiving this benefit for years. Unfortunately, my son was already four years old by then and SS would only do retro payment back to January of the current year. I have never read about this benefit in any SS literature and it is not widely known but the additional 50% is nice to receive.

    With regard to using Bangkok Bank for direct deposit, there is a branch in New York but they require that you already have an existing Bank of Bangkok account. When I first looked into this, I was living in Udon Thani and the main branch I went into said I could not open an account. Things may have changed by now since I am reading other members have opened accounts. Once you have a B of B account, I believe you can set up a wire transfer online from account to account within B of B without having to pay a high fee. I would be interested in hearing if anyone has succeeded with this approach since I currently pay $40 for every international wire transfer I make and have been doing so for the past 14 years.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •