My understanding is that by only living in Thailand my wife and children won't be eligible for my SSA benefits if we have not also lived together in the States for five years:  

https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/us-expat-taxes-social-security/

 

 

We had no intention of leaving Thailand and moving to 'approved' counties where this requirement is not needed:

https://www.ssa.gov/international/countrylist3.htm

 

Is this indeed true and if so what do most people do about it?   Give up the benefits?  Move back to the States for five years?  Move to an 'approved' country ($$$)??

 

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

Thanks.

 

52 minutes ago, stargazer9999 said:

My understanding is that by only living in Thailand my wife and children won't be eligible for my SSA benefits if we have not also lived together in the States for five years:  

https://www.greenbacktaxservices.com/knowledge-center/us-expat-taxes-social-security/

 

 

We had no intention of leaving Thailand and moving to 'approved' counties where this requirement is not needed:

https://www.ssa.gov/international/countrylist3.htm

 

Is this indeed true and if so what do most people do about it?   Give up the benefits?  Move back to the States for five years?  Move to an 'approved' country ($$$)??

 

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.

 

Thanks.

 

I am pretty sure that only applies to NON US citizens.

Assuming Thai wife, then that is correct, unless living in USA, for 3 or 5 years, forget which is applicable to you, married or green card holder.  Then no, she will not be eligible.

 

Children, yours, are eligible for SS, now and in the event of your death, till age 18, I think, unless containing in Uni, then possibly 20 or 22 yrs old.

 

Current & accurate info on SS site, best to check there, as I may be a bit dated.

I should have mentioned that my wife is Thai.  If my children, who  were born here,  are eligible while they're still living here that's better than nothing I guess.  

 

On 8/28/2023 at 10:56 PM, stargazer9999 said:

I should have mentioned that my wife is Thai.  If my children, who  were born here,  are eligible while they're still living here that's better than nothing I guess.  

 

If you're collecting SS age 62 + and your kids have US passports, then your kid can receive benefits. I get $1400. For the kid, Month plus my own 2100 mo.