Is anyone concerned about DOGE targeting US Soc Sec direct deposit into Thai accounts?

[Galong]

I have been getting my Social Security paid directly into a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account for 3-ish years. I'm slightly concerned with the DOGE purge targeting SS checks going into foreign accounts. Does anyone else feel like this might be a yellow or red flag?  I like the convenience of direct deposit. I already know someone is going to tell me it's not the most cost-effective way. I don't care. I like the status quo. 

[mogandave]

I have mine sent to my US bank, but I would not be concerned. 

 

That said, glitches happen, don’t be broke waiting for a deposit that’s going to be a month late.

[Galong]

7 minutes ago, mogandave said:

I have mine sent to my US bank, but I would not be concerned. 

 

That said, glitches happen, don’t be broke waiting for a deposit that’s going to be a month late.

I have a US account. I don't want the hassle of transferring money here or documenting the transfers. The direct deposit has been flawless. 

[KhunLA]

no

[mogandave]

5 minutes ago, Galong said:

I have a US account. I don't want the hassle of transferring money here or documenting the transfers. The direct deposit has been flawless. 

I meant I would not be worried if I were you. I was just qualifying that I am not in the same situation.

[EVENKEEL]

12 minutes ago, Galong said:

I have a US account. I don't want the hassle of transferring money here or documenting the transfers. The direct deposit has been flawless. 

I use the same method for monthly deposit extension. I think about it, not real concerned. Will change to US bank if hassled and perhaps start using an agent for extension.

[tjintx]

Not at all.

[GammaGlobulin]

I have not received a dime from the gov, so far.

I do not expect to...ever.

So, if you do as i do, then...

No worries...ever.

 

[Lacessit]

The OP is asking posters to predict what the present US government will do with Social Security payments.

 

I seem to have mislaid my crystal ball.

 

 

[Galong]

More info acquired through ChatGPT:
  

As of February 16, 2025, Leland Dudek is the acting commissioner of the SSA. Before snagging the top spot, Dudek was the mastermind behind the agency's anti-fraud operations. He's known for his tech-savvy approach and a relentless drive to root out fraud. Interestingly, Dudek was previously put on administrative leave for bypassing agency protocols to collaborate with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Now, he's running the show.

en.wikipedia.org

Why the Sudden Switch?

Michelle King, the former acting commissioner, threw in the towel after a spat with DOGE. The Musk-led team wanted access to sensitive SSA records to sniff out waste and fraud. King, a 30-year SSA veteran, wasn't having it and resigned in protest. Enter Dudek, who seems more aligned with DOGE's mission.

truthout.org

What's the Fallout?

The shake-up has stirred the pot in several ways:

• Data Privacy Concerns: With DOGE digging into personal records, folks are jittery about their data's safety.

• Operational Overhaul: Dudek's history of sidestepping protocols hints at possible shake-ups in SSA's standard procedures.

• Public Trust Issues: The rapid leadership change and DOGE's aggressive tactics might make the public wary of the SSA's stability.

In short, the SSA's latest plot twist has left many on the edge of their seats, wondering how this drama will unfold.


My concern is that we're an easy target... living overseas and unable to fight back in courts due to our geographic handicap. I remember an Aussie mate saying living oversea and collecting either a pension or SS was not possible. Aussies had to go back and live in the Aus for a while in order to qualify. I don't remember the full scoop, but it sounded like a big headache.

[Yellowtail]

6 minutes ago, Galong said:

More info acquired through ChatGPT:
  

As of February 16, 2025, Leland Dudek is the acting commissioner of the SSA. Before snagging the top spot, Dudek was the mastermind behind the agency's anti-fraud operations. He's known for his tech-savvy approach and a relentless drive to root out fraud. Interestingly, Dudek was previously put on administrative leave for bypassing agency protocols to collaborate with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Now, he's running the show.

en.wikipedia.org

Why the Sudden Switch?

Michelle King, the former acting commissioner, threw in the towel after a spat with DOGE. The Musk-led team wanted access to sensitive SSA records to sniff out waste and fraud. King, a 30-year SSA veteran, wasn't having it and resigned in protest. Enter Dudek, who seems more aligned with DOGE's mission.

truthout.org

What's the Fallout?

The shake-up has stirred the pot in several ways:

• Data Privacy Concerns: With DOGE digging into personal records, folks are jittery about their data's safety.

• Operational Overhaul: Dudek's history of sidestepping protocols hints at possible shake-ups in SSA's standard procedures.

• Public Trust Issues: The rapid leadership change and DOGE's aggressive tactics might make the public wary of the SSA's stability.

In short, the SSA's latest plot twist has left many on the edge of their seats, wondering how this drama will unfold.


My concern is that we're an easy target... living overseas and unable to fight back in courts due to our geographic handicap. I remember an Aussie mate saying living oversea and collecting either a pension or SS was not possible. Aussies had to go back and live in the Aus for a while in order to qualify. I don't remember the full scoop, but it sounded like a big headache.

Far less political fallout for Trump going after fraud, only the very far left seems to be against that, and they already oppose Trump. 

 

Cheating retirees out of what they are due would be much worse for Trump politically. 

 

Payments might be delayed or accidentally canceled if there is a big system change, but there will not be a policy change taking away Social Security benefits from legal recipients.  

[bamnutsak]

DOGE/musk seems focused on the 150-year-olds for now so we may be safe.

 

 

But Musk does seem erratic, and subject to hissy fits - some here remember his behavior during Tham Luang cave rescue - so I wouldn't rule out the possibility of actions.

 

 

Anxiety Mounts Among Social Security Recipients as DOGE Troops Settle In

 

“Social Security will not be touched,” Trump answered, echoing a promise he has been making for years. Despite his eagerness to explode treaties, shutter entire government agencies and abandon decades-old ways of doing things, the president understands that Social Security benefits for seniors are sacrosanct.

 

“Social Security will not be touched,” Trump answered, echoing a promise he has been making for years. Despite his eagerness to explode treaties, shutter entire government agencies and abandon decades-old ways of doing things, the president understands that Social Security benefits for seniors are sacrosanct.

 

https://www.propublica.org/article/doge-social-security-elon-musk-trump-closures-benefits

 

 

 

[GypsyT]

These two bulls in China shop have proven to do anything!

 

Better get your SSA via US. Just to be safe. That's what I do.

Keep $$$$$$ in US bank and use cards (Only inside banks! No fee) to get cash.

US Courts take 2-3 years before they hear your case first time...

[Yellowtail]

2 minutes ago, GypsyT said:

These two bulls in China shop have proven to do anything!

 

Better get your SSA via US. Just to be safe. That's what I do.

Keep $$$$$$ in US bank and use cards (Only inside banks! No fee) to get cash.

US Courts take 2-3 years before they hear your case first time...

You're not scaring anyone, but howl louder, I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yagoda]

I would never direct deposit anything into an account based outside the US or Switzerland or Bermuda. I have accounts in Thailand and Cambodia and I control what goes in and when.

 

My rule is dont do business in places where there isnt rule of law and you dont speak the language.

[frank83628]

@simple1 you were concerned about US Social security weren't you. 

[exant]

Hapy are the simple minded who started benefits years ago and are on old fashioned obsolete COBOL FORTRAN software storage DOGE new AI software

is poking an audit. From learning curve that takes time to digest things will be

worse until ehanced software education, the adjustment over time happens.

As of friday 7000 SSA agents are fired and majority USA SSA offices are closed

   

[KhunLA]

An intelligent person would realize, expats living overseas is less of an impact on the budget, than living in the USA.  

 

Imagine the added hit on Medicare, if all us ol' farts had access and used it for our healthcare.  Unhealthy folks with cardiac issue, on going cancer treatment, or dialysis.  Purchase of insulin & statins and other crap unhealthy people are told they need & use, and sold at silly prices.

 

Of course if big pharma made that decision, then nobody would be allowed to live overseas 

[jas007]

For those who have their SS money deposited into a Thai bank, I wouldn't worry about any wide scale disruption, but that's not to say it couldn't happen.  Anything is possible.  So be prepared.  

 

One of the benefits of keeping at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank is that that money could last you a while, if need be.   

[exant]

https://doge.gov/

 

[bamnutsak]

21 hours ago, jas007 said:

One of the benefits of keeping at least 800,000 baht in a Thai bank is that that money could last you a while, if need be.  

 

But if you spend that down under 400k, or below 800k in the pre-ext window, you lose your permission to stay.

 

 

If Elon had wielded a scalpel at CPAC I'd be less concerned. However, he brandished "The Chainsaw of Bureaucracy".

 

Chainsaws can be imprecise.

 

And Elon's impression of foreign males who live in Thailand is not flattering.

 

Hopefully he's distracted caring for his 14th child (XIV?), but any tweet can set him off.

 

I would never direct deposit my SocSec benefit into my Thai bank account. I have it deposited in the U.S. and then SWIFT some to Bangkok Bank monthly. This provides more flexibility for me in case I relocate back to the U.S., or elsewhere where the funds are more easily accessible.

[Rick45]

22 hours ago, KhunLA said:

An intelligent person would realize, expats living overseas is less of an impact on the budget, than living in the USA.  

It's not about impact on the budget.  It's about Trump screwing everyone he hates, and he hates everyone outside the US--that includes expat US citizens.  He see us as traitors for living abroad.  It's only a matter of time before he ends overseas social security payments.

[jas007]

6 minutes ago, Rick45 said:

It's not about impact on the budget.  It's about Trump screwing everyone he hates, and he hates everyone outside the US--that includes expat US citizens.  He see us as traitors for living abroad.  It's only a matter of time before he ends overseas social security payments.

Easier said than done.  There are two types of Social Security benefits. Benefits received under Title II and Benefits received under Title XVI.  Title XVI benefits are SSI and are a form of welfare.  They're not typically payable to those onside the USA for more than 30 days, except in certain unusual circumstances.  Title II  benefits are the received based on your earnings and are your property, so to speak.  And you have a constitutional right to travel, including travel outside the USA.  A ban on the payments of Title II benefits outside the ISA wouldn't fly, constitutionally.  Even the Supreme Court wouldn't uphold such a ban.  

[Rick45]

21 minutes ago, jas007 said:

And you have a constitutional right to travel, including travel outside the USA.  A ban on the payments of Title II benefits outside the ISA wouldn't fly, constitutionally.  Even the Supreme Court wouldn't uphold such a ban.  

 

No where in the constitution does it even mention social security.  You have no constitutional right to social security.  Social Security was created by congress, and congress can write a law and change social security in anyway they see fit.

[jas007]

31 minutes ago, Rick45 said:

 

No where in the constitution does it even mention social security.  You have no constitutional right to social security.  Social Security was created by congress, and congress can write a law and change social security in anyway they see fit.

You obviously know nothing, so believe what you want.  The right to travel is a fundamental human right recognized by the Supreme Court. It's a longstanding concept.  As is your fundamental right to your property, including your Title II social Security benefits which you earned.  If anyone tried to restrict your right to travel, including your right to travel overseas with your property, they wouldn't' get very far in the courts.  Perhaps you should stick to commenting about that which you have some clue. 

[Rick45]

11 minutes ago, jas007 said:

 As is your fundamental right to your property, including your Title II social Security benefits which you earned.  If anyone tried to restrict your right to travel, including your right to travel overseas with your property, they wouldn't' get very far in the courts.  

 

I guess you haven't read about all the US banks and brokerages that are closing accounts of expats living overseas......

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, jas007 said:

Easier said than done.  There are two types of Social Security benefits. Benefits received under Title II and Benefits received under Title XVI.  Title XVI benefits are SSI and are a form of welfare.  They're not typically payable to those onside the USA for more than 30 days, except in certain unusual circumstances.  Title II  benefits are the received based on your earnings and are your property, so to speak.  And you have a constitutional right to travel, including travel outside the USA.  A ban on the payments of Title II benefits outside the ISA wouldn't fly, constitutionally.  Even the Supreme Court wouldn't uphold such a ban.  

SSI is not a form of welfare, nor an entitlement.  Something you and your employer paid into, to care for people who may need it, do to disabilities, keeping them from working.

 

Actually, SSI, it's a pittance offer, easily approved, so you don't sue SS for full disability benefits that you & employer have paid into for decades of working.  Usual takes 3rd review of your case, if lucky, or even more appeals, with  lawyer, or you'll lose, to receive full disability benefits, you paid into.  And that's from experience.

 

Typical 'insurance' company 'SOP' ... deny deny deny, and hopefully you take a lower offer.  Many do, as they don't have finances to last, while fighting the system.  Which can be time consuming.   Take a job, any job while fighting for your benefits, no matter how painful it may be for you to work and provide for your family (if you even can), and you'll be denied, expectedly, as just proved you're not disabled.

[bamnutsak]

1 hour ago, jas007 said:

Even the Supreme Court wouldn't uphold such a ban.  

 

How quaint.

 

[gamb00ler]

On 2/25/2025 at 10:40 AM, Yellowtail said:

You're not scaring anyone, but howl louder, I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree that the posts you accuse of 'scaring' people are less scary than yours.

[jas007]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

SSI is not a form of welfare, nor an entitlement.  Something you and your employer paid into, to care for people who may need it, do to disabilities, keeping them from working.

 

Actually, SSI, it's a pittance offer, easily approved, so you don't sue SS for full disability benefits that you & employer have paid into for decades of working.  Usual takes 3rd review of your case, if lucky, or even more appeals, with  lawyer, or you'll lose, to receive full disability benefits, you paid into.  And that's from experience.

 

Typical 'insurance' company 'SOP' ... deny deny deny, and hopefully you take a lower offer.  Many do, as they don't have finances to last, while fighting the system.  Which can be time consuming.   Take a job, any job while fighting for your benefits, no matter how painful it may be for you to work and provide for your family (if you even can), and you'll be denied, expectedly, as just proved you're not disabled.

Trust me on this, it's not your "property" in the same way your Title II benefits are your property.  It's considered a form of welfare, based not on your work record but on the government's beneficence.  

 

In any event, they normally don't play such benefits to those overseas more than 30 days.   And they can very much do that.  However, Title II benefits are different. 

 

Bottom line: they'd have as much luck telling you couldn't travel with Nike jogging shoes as they would telling you couldn't travel with your Title I benefits.  

 

Musk may get some mileage with the "chainsaw" nonsense, but you can bet he has very smart legal advisors who know the law and know full well they'd get nowhere in court with any kind of restriction on receiving Title II benefits overseas.