jeffandgop

11 minutes ago, Pib said:

.  But you do "not" have to send in the "originals"....instead, you can send in certified/notarized copies which is what the wife did by getting the notarized copies at the U.S. Embassy-Bangkok

I knew that. But you need to make an appointment for notary services and the availability of appointments was later than the Manila FBU deadline to receive those documents. We had no choice but to send the originals. 
 

When I applied for initiation of my benefits that took only 5 weeks total

On Dec 4, 2022, my wife applied to initiate her benefits.  The online application was received with a response that the process normally takes "2-4 weeks". The application was assigned to the Manila FBU within 24 hours.

2 weeks go by, then 4 weeks, then 8 weeks, then 10 weeks and not any response or action undertaken by the Manila FBU whatsoever. So we sent them an inquiry using their web portal on Feb 6. Another week goes by and then we get an email scheduling a telephone interview for the following week Feb 16.  At the appointed time on the appointed date she did not receive the expected call.  I tried to call them- this being a Thursday during their "telephone office hours", and no one answered.  I wrote them an email the very same day asking why they haven't called; and later that day they did call and completed the telephone interview.  However, they informed her that her US Passport and Marriage Certificate needed to be sent to the Manila FBU by Mar 16 to complete their processing. So their very next day, Friday Feb 17, we couriered the passport & marriage certificate which arrived at the Embassy on Tuesday Feb 21. We requested that when returning these to give us the courier info and tracking number.

On Wed Mar 1, the Manila FBU sent an email that our docs were "scheduled to be sent back" on Friday Mar 3.  The following week we received nothing- no documents, no tracking info.  I sent an email to the Manila FBU on Mar 10 asking for information on where their courier package was- no acknowledgement.  Again on Mar 13 I sent an email request and on Mar 14 Manila FBU answered "Upon checking, there has been a delay on mailing out of original documents. Your documents are still in our office and will be due for mailing out this week or next."  

"Upon checking" means no one was paying attention to return our documents as "scheduled" for Mar 3, and only our follow ups triggered their action to find that our documents had not been handled as promised. Their advice that our documents "will be due for mailing out this week or next" is not viewed by us as much of a commitment on their part.  I've emailed back that their performance has been unacceptable. The passport is a most critical document that needs to be in the hands of the owner and as soon as the SSA's business purpose was satisfied it should have been returned expeditiously. To wait possible 3 full weeks (or more) for its' return, after they were finished with it, is ridiculous.

So as of today it's been more than 16 weeks since my wife applied for her benefits and she still does not have her Benefits approval.

Manila FBU.  Seriously deficient in their performance and meeting their commitments.

(And I am still awaiting Manila's FBU answer to my inquiry I sent last December as to whether I was potentially having my benefit suspended even tho I have submitted the Form 7162 twice last year.)

On 1/19/2023 at 8:08 PM, Paulaew said:

I've been dealing extensively with the Federal Benefits Unit in Manila for more than 3 years, and I've found them to be very helpful via email. (I'm not an American, so there are some complexities in receiving SS benefits, particularly for dependent children).

 

Paul Laew

I am having the opposite experience.  I will begin by saying when I applied for my benefits online in 2018, it took only 5 weeks to process and issue their notification of my Benefits Award Notice. The processing time including a telephone interview from the Philippines to my home in Thailand.

However.

On Dec 4, 2022, my wife applied to initiate her benefits.  The online application was received with a response that the process normally takes "2-4 weeks". The application was assigned to the Manila FBU within 24 hours.

2 weeks go by, then 4 weeks, then 8 weeks, then 10 weeks and not any response or action undertaken by the Manila FBU whatsoever. So we sent them an inquiry using their web portal on Feb 6. Another week goes by and then we get an email scheduling a telephone interview for the following week Feb 16.  At the appointed time on the appointed date she did not receive the expected call.  I tried to call them- this being a Thursday during their "telephone office hours", and no one answered.  I wrote them an email the very same day asking why they haven't called; and later that day they did call and completed the telephone interview.  However, they informed her that her US Passport and Marriage Certificate needed to be sent to the Manila FBU by Mar 16 to complete their processing. So their very next day, Friday Feb 17, we couriered the passport & marriage certificate which arrived at the Embassy on Tuesday Feb 21. We requested that when returning these to give us the courier info and tracking number.

On Wed Mar 1, the Manila FBU sent an email that our docs were "scheduled to be sent back" on Friday Mar 3.  The following week we received nothing- no documents, no tracking info.  I sent an email on Mar 10 asking for information on where the courier package was- no acknowledgement.  Again on Mar 13 I sent an email request and on Mar 14 Manila FBU answered "Upon checking, there has been a delay on mailing out of original documents. Your documents are still in our office and will be due for mailing out this week or next."  

"Upon checking" means no one was paying attention to return our documents as "scheduled" for Mar 3, and only our follow ups triggered their action to find that our documents had not been handled as promised. Their advice that our documents "will be due for mailing out this week or next" is not viewed by us as much of a commitment on their part.  I've emailed back that their performance has been unacceptable. The passport is a most critical document that needs to be in the hands of the owner and as soon as the SSA's business purpose was satisfied it should have been returned expeditiously. To wait possible 3 full weeks (or more) for its' return, after they were finished with it, is ridiculous.

So as of today it's been more than 16 weeks since my wife applied for her benefits and she still does not have her Benefits approval.

Manila FBU.  Not only not helpful, but seriously deficient in their performance and meeting their commitments.

(And I am still awaiting Manila's FBU answer to my inquiry I sent last December as to whether I was potentially having my benefit suspended even tho I have submitted the Form 7162 twice last year.)

On 3/6/2023 at 6:25 AM, Migz said:

Latest advisory from FBU-Manila:

Waste of time. Even tho I mailed the first 7162 back to the SSA from within the U.S in Aug, I still got a second notice in Oct. I mailed that back and tracked it to delivery in Dec.  Numerous attempts to contact Manila to obtain status on whether I was on the possible suspension list were either not successful in reaching them by phone OR their web portal, or were never answered after they DID receive my request for assistance by email. I started trying to get their assistance starting last Dec...never heard anything from them.  Being cutoff could potentially be avoided if they had bothered to do their jobs when they were contacted to verify the 7162 status of the person who made requests...

On 2/22/2023 at 7:39 AM, jeffandgop said:

"Pending" status not going forward has been a reported issue by many others.  What is dissimilar here is someone processed my application and chose to reject it with the given cause I've never seen reported before.  My submittal is EXACTLY in all respects the same as I have done a multitude of times and I looked at all 4 of last years 90-days submittals I inputted online and all 4 work quickly "approved" with a new reporting date.

My wife called CMI yesterday and when routed to someone on the 90-day desk, the person could not explain why my report was rejected nor explain the meaning of "Already Informed".  Neither was that person interested in even looking up my record nor offered any assistance.

Will go to CMI Central Festival next week.....

I chose to re-submit online on 22Feb.....as was the initial online submittal being accepted as complete and correct, after 1 week in the "Pending" status I received email notice of approval yesterday......

55 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

Had a similar thing happen to me a few weeks back on around the same date as the OP. I received a notification 'Pending' and it stayed like that for 2 weeks. In the end I had to go in person to be told 'computer problem'.

"Pending" status not going forward has been a reported issue by many others.  What is dissimilar here is someone processed my application and chose to reject it with the given cause I've never seen reported before.  My submittal is EXACTLY in all respects the same as I have done a multitude of times and I looked at all 4 of last years 90-days submittals I inputted online and all 4 work quickly "approved" with a new reporting date.

My wife called CMI yesterday and when routed to someone on the 90-day desk, the person could not explain why my report was rejected nor explain the meaning of "Already Informed".  Neither was that person interested in even looking up my record nor offered any assistance.

Will go to CMI Central Festival next week.....

47 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

Sounds like your online report was accepted.  But, maybe contact immigration and ask.

Yes- After inputting online my details on 15 Feb, the auto-generated CMI email response read "We have received your information successfully..."  That, in turn, place my submission in the "Pending" que as I awaited approval and another email with the new future report date.

But what I received 4 days later was the auto-generated CMI email response which read; "Your application for STAYING LONGER THAN 90 DAYS has been rejected"; and in the next line below in bold the words "Already Informed". And online "Pending" status now read "Rejected".

Yes, I know I will have to go to CMI to straighten this out.  Thanks...

I did post in the local CM Forum but did not receive any knowing responses. So,

1 hour ago, Raindancer said:

The first thing that strikes me is that you received a reply on a Sunday.  To my knowledge, immigration do not work over the weekend.  So, I would suspect something is suspicious.   Normally a rejection does not give any explanation.   Have you been hacked??

 

I would log onto 90 day reporting and check the status of your application.  It will either say, "pending, approved or rejected.

 

I know you said that you only applied once.   But the status will show whether you inadvertently applied twice.  

 

If it states pending, I would be suspicious of the email and its sender. 

 

Perhaps you should go to immigration drive through and get a new 90 day report.  Or go to Central Festival and renew and take the email with you.

The Sunday acknowledgement is auto-generated and may reflect that the system records match my input and was correctly completed. It did not reject my submission. Nothing suspicious at all. 
As I wrote, the auto-generated rejection was received days later and gave the reason “Already Informed” and did NOT stipulate that I needed to report in person to Immigration (which is the usual statement included with rejection notices). The 90-day system for my record reflects the one submittal has been rejected as well. No hacking here. 
So my original question of what “Already Informed “ means remains; and if anyone has had this occur in response to their 90-day submittal or knows the meaning please share. 
 

Been successful in using the CMI online 90-day report tool for many times.  Next 90-day being due 26 Feb, I submitted my report online 15 Feb...absolutely all data being exactly the same as prior reporting...in response, auto-generated email acknowledging "We have received your information successfully..."

Yesterday 19 Feb, received an auto-generated email from CMI "Your application for STAYING LONGER THAN 90 DAYS has been rejected"; and in the next line below in bold the words "Already Informed".

Anybody knows what "Already Informed" means?  And No, I only submitted my latest report online once.

Recommend giving ALLTECH SOLUTIONS @082-180-7080 or 0562-180-7002 a call- or better yet, go visit their shop. I replaced my original security camera system 3 years ago with the HIKVISION cameras they distribute, install and service.  Here's a link to their FB page and a map of their location:  https://www.alltechsolutions.co.th  

As I wrote a few years ago in response to another individual seeing advice:

After extensive researching the internet of security camera attributes, current technology, Thailand marketplace resources; I chose to purchase and have installed the cameras and DVR by a local factory authorized dealer of a particular manufacture’s product line- HikVision.  Before I began my search for a specific manufacturer, I created a list of my priorities ("Home Security Camera System Reqts" file)

I purchased 6 model DS-2CE16D0T-IT3F HD 1080p EXIR Bullet Cameras (outdoor) & 2 model DS-2CE56D0T-IT3F HD 1080p EXIR Turret Camera (indoor) and DS-7200HQHI-K1 HD DVR.

I chose the HikVision product because of their extensive offerings of camera systems in Thailand; their clearly understandable and detailed website of their products and technologies; and their high Customer satisfaction ratings I came across.

They work great.

As you consider your options, a couple of key fundamentals to consider and decide upon.

Cameras require a power supply to operate.  Electrical wiring may have to be installed where each of the cameras are to be located.  This will add to the installation costs.

Cameras require their signal to be broadcasted to your monitor, and/or DVR.  This is accomplished by either (1) cable (coax or Ethernet or fiber optic, depending on the speed and resolution desired/required), or (2) Wifi.  If you don’t have cabling already installed, it may be the most expensive part of the system cost (this is normal) and you can avoid cabling costs by using Wifi.  However, wifi depends on enough bandwidth and speed to transmit and your location may not have the speed you need; or it will use significant amount of bandwidth which degrades your internet and streaming needs that you use today.  You’ll have to explore the feasibility of wifi with whomever you decide to purchase your camera system from; it certainly can significantly reduce the cost of installation (as opposed to installing cable).

You’ll have to decide what external and/or internal areas you want covered by security cameras- that drives per camera cost, power needs, and camera’s transmission of the view.  You’ll need to decide if you want continuous recording, or recording only when motion is detected; camera resolution daytime and nighttime; if you want sound to be recorded; or???.

14 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Their website info appears a bit more nuanced that just what you posted here... Specifically:

 

"E-File your Federal and State

Return for FREE, if one of the below:

Adjusted Gross Income is $41,000 or less (OR)

Active Duty Military Adjusted Gross Income $73,000 or under (OR)

If you do not qualify: Your Federal return is free and each state tax return is just $9.95!!"

 

Note the final part with the last "OR"... if you're above their AGI limit, they seem to be saying they'll still do your federal return for free.... But you'll have to pay $9.95 for any state return you may need.

 

But then further down, they caveat that further with some added age, income and state residency requirements:

 

"You will qualify for this Free file offer, if you meet the qualifications below.

• You or your spouse age was greater than or equal to 67.
   
• Adjusted Gross Income is between $41,000 and $73,000 in 2022.
   
• Your resident state is (CT, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, ME, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, OK, OR, RI, TN, UT, VT, WV, WY)"

 

https://www.olt.com/main/oltfree/default.asp

 

Right you are....thank you.

On 2/4/2023 at 11:43 AM, lopburi3 said:

I used OLT last two years with no issues (had used TaxAct for a decade but last year they required US phone number when I did early Jan (they removed later).  As do not have state return no charge.  IRS refund received Feb 1.

 

Note there is no OLT AGI requirement for free federal return.

Not quite correct. There are AGI limits to use OLT, depending on age as well....

On 1/11/2023 at 10:43 AM, Pib said:

The access denied problem could be caused by a problem on your end.  See weblink below for possible solutions.  And if  possible try using a different device (I.e., different computer browser,  phone browser, etc).

https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/fix-access-denied-you-dont-have-permission-to-access-on-this-server-on-windows-10

 

Also you can call the Manila SSA FBU at their Philippines phone number or their "U.S. phone numbers".. US numbers but rings at the Manila Embassy, listen to interactive menu, then press 3 for the SSA FBU but only on Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 11am Manila date/time.  The US numbers are 202-370-6642/6497.  I just tried calling both from my US number and they both worked....rang/answered at the Manila Embassy.

 

 

I tried again to submit a request to Manila SSA FBU via their https://ph.usembassy.gov/services/fbu-inquiry-form/. Again, when I selected the Reason for Inquiry being the Annual Questionnaire from their drop down menu, "Access Denied" was the return response after submitting.  

Then I chose as my selected Reason for Inquiry "Apply for Social Security Benefits" and requested an update on my wife's 8-week old long wait for any response relative to her application, THAT inquiry went thru successfully.

Surmise that the FBU is simply blocking any inquiries on the 7162 thru their own portal not wanting to work this issue....

5 minutes ago, jeffandgop said:

My own device made by a CMU Professor in his lab....very reliable

Before I even looked at that high reading I could see coming from the north a thick hazy smog layer heading for where I live...it is now dissipating...but at 8am monitors at Tonkla are reporting readings of 116 and Ruamchok 70....both locations were reporting higher levels at 6am...

3 minutes ago, JimmyJ said:

Using your own.pm2.5 device (I suspect not) or seeingbthis on a website?

My own device made by a CMU Professor in his lab....very reliable

2.5 measurement at my home in Sansai ballooned from 44 (7am) to now 185!!!! What????????

19 hours ago, Pib said:

The access denied problem could be caused by a problem on your end.  See weblink below for possible solutions.  And if  possible try using a different device (I.e., different computer browser,  phone browser, etc).

https://softwarekeep.com/help-center/fix-access-denied-you-dont-have-permission-to-access-on-this-server-on-windows-10

 

Also you can call the Manila SSA FBU at their Philippines phone number or their "U.S. phone numbers".. US numbers but rings at the Manila Embassy, listen to interactive menu, then press 3 for the SSA FBU but only on Tuesday and Thursday 8am to 11am Manila date/time.  The US numbers are 202-370-6642/6497.  I just tried calling both from my US number and they both worked....rang/answered at the Manila Embassy.

 

 

Thanks for the tip! Except I am using Apple IOS/OS, not Windows...;(

On 12/9/2022 at 7:00 PM, Pib said:

Just as a 7162/7161 refresher regarding the 1st, 2nd, and Suspension notices and how different SSA departments such as Wilkes Barre, Office of Int'l Ops in Baltimore, Manila FBU, etc., fit in the process, the two SSA Program Operations Manual System (POMS) weblinks shown at the bottom spell it out.   POMS is what the SSA calls its operating instructions.   

 

And from review of the two POMS you'll see there is a combination of automated and manual activities occur that determine if a person ends up on the suspended list and it varies a little depending on whether it's a 7162 or 7161. 

 

You will notice that if a person is suspended the FBU, like the Manila FBU, is the key department in trying to resolve the problem but of course that means they need to be able to contact you and all they got to go on is your address, phone number and email on-file (correct or outdated).  And I doubt they would try to contact you by email or call....and probably not by mail since no response to the 7162/7161 notices has occurred (although you may have mail a form back it just never made it to Wilkes Barre or didn't make it in time).  Instead they are probably going to wait for you to contact them.  So, it's pretty much up to the individual to contact the FBU to get off the suspended list (not to imply contacting the Office of Int'l Ops in Baltimore might not work also).  

 

The Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ) Process.   FEQ is the SSA's fancy name for the 7161/7162 forms.

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655010

 

What Wilkes Barre Does

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655007

 

I have contacted the Office of Int'l Ops via the link on their website- [email protected]- 3x over the past 3 months and have received NO response.

I have tried numerous times to contact the Manila FBU via THEIR online https://ph.usembassy.gov/services/fbu-inquiry-form; after filling in all the information requested/required, after hitting the "Submit" button, I only receive this in response:

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Definitely going to affect you, and the cost of living.  Not your electric bill, but every other non household bill that will be passing their higher cost on to you, the end consumer.

I see that how I wrote my comment led to a misunderstanding of my intent. My comments described how my current electricity unit charges are much higher than the Government announcement and I do not expect for my unit charges to decrease any. 

I really can't make sense on how this applies to us here in Chiang Mai. The article includes the statement "ERC secretary-general Khomgrich Tantravanich said the ERC adjusted its calculation of the fuel tariff (FT) which was part of power tariff to be in line with the instruction from the council."

I interpret this to mean that after all the cost elements are added to the basic usage charge (i.e., VAT, FT, etc.) the net unit charge to the household consumer should reflect 4.72B/Unit.

As for my household, in January 2022 our charges with all costs applied equated to be 4.51B/Unit; and in December the bill, after all costs applied, equated to be 5.48B/Unit.

December's usage was 4% less than January's.  The key cost driver in December was the enormous increase in FT.  In January the FT unit charge was .0139B; in December it was .9343B (nearly 1B per unit!).

Earlier news stated that the FT rate in January would be increasing.  I'll see what happens with our charges then....

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Posting to get confirmation on the dates.

 

What is the last day they need to record the form to avoid benefits cutoff?

 

My understanding is that if you don’t get your February check, you've been cut off.

 

Is that correct?

I can’t speak of the last date for your submission to avoid benefits suspension but Yes, if you don’t receive your February benefit you have most likely not been recorded as having submitted the form

We mourn her loss as well.  She provided knowledgeable information on pensions and taxation that benefited us greatly.  She never failed to respond to my questions or comments.....R.I.P.

3 hours ago, lopburi3 said:

The whole purpose is proof you are still alive - this requires your signature and a witness.  Anyone could submit an electronic form.  Indeed an alternative might be personal appearance before US Consulate official - but for many/most that would be worse than mail.  Covid has messed up international mail beyond belief - with any luck that is over.

Further, there's no similar requirement for those collecting SS in the U.S.  Maybe that's where the SSA should focus....

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr99uP9GZRjRvsRixVXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZANMT0NVSTA1M18xBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1670679165/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.nytimes.com%2f2022%2f12%2f02%2fus%2fsocial-security-theft-dead-mother.html/RK=2/RS=4WmeJHim.QV3f0SpXCO.lPXrd3g-

33 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

From reading a sample form.  I do not have SS so can only go by that.  This is a special requirement for those living overseas from my understanding and in place because some countries may not report deaths.  Yes there should be an updated process/video call/fingerprint type or such but as with most government change - it is behind the times.

I collect SS and NO, there's no requirement for any witness. I've been submitting the 7162 for years...