Apply for SocSec Benefits Online?

[NoDisplayName]

According to one government site, yes.

 

If you live outside the U.S., you can apply for Social Security benefits online.

https://www.usa.gov/social-security-abroad

 

If this is true, then I do not need to go thru Manila Operations, and do not need to get a certified copy of my passport from the Bangkok embassy. 

 

I have my account at ssa.gov set up, I am able to log in using ID.me receiving a text to my Thai cell number.

I logged on, downloaded my latest benefits statement.

 

Just the basic package, wife not involved.  Direct deposit to a US credit union.

 

Am I correct?  Apply online here?

https://www.ssa.gov/apply

[sqwakvfr]

I applied through ssa.gov/apply ast week.  I am in CNX.  Got an automated reply that an employee in Baltimore MD will review my application.  So far I have not been asked to provide anything.  I am wondering if the pace of the application process will be impacted by the DOGE and Musk?  

[NoDisplayName]

Thank you for the reply.

 

Did you enter your Thai address and cellphone number, or did you use an existing US address and phone?  I'm hoping the file will be processed normally, and only be passed to Manilla in the event of some problem.

 

Please update as the process continues.

[sqwakvfr]

1 hour ago, NoDisplayName said:

Thank you for the reply.

 

Did you enter your Thai address and cellphone number, or did you use an existing US address and phone?  I'm hoping the file will be processed normally, and only be passed to Manilla in the event of some problem.

 

Please update as the process continues.

Thai Address and Thai phone #.

[Pib]

You can apply online from outside the US....like from Thailand.  A SS online account is "not" needed to apply.   

 

Once submitted "if", repeat, if Baltimore needs to relay it to Manila for some processing such as doing a telephone interview you will get an email from Manila saying such along with a date/time for the telephone interview.

 

What documents, if any, SSA may need to support your application varies from individual to individual.  

 

Apply online starting here:  https://www.ssa.gov/apply     Once again, you do not need a SSA online acct to apply online.

 

 

In case SSA does ask you to provide them the original or certified copy of some documents like your passport you can get such from the US Embassy/Consulate in person "or" via a mail-in process discussed below....since you are applying for federal benefits the service is free other than mailing fees.

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/notaries-public/notaries-public-2/

 

 

[sqwakvfr]

I checked on ssa.gov and now it indicates a representative in Manila is reviewing my application.  I guess this means I should get a certified copy of my passport from the CNX consulate? 

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

I checked on ssa.gov and now it indicates a representative in Manila is reviewing my application.  I guess this means I should get a certified copy of my passport from the CNX consulate? 

 

Not necessarily.

 

I know others have done that, but unclear why.  Could be they were naturalized citizens or green card holders, or who knows what else.

 

I imagine gov.gov has records of my SS "contributions", and my passport renewals, and my DD214.  The online sites claiming it's possible to apply online from overseas don't mention certified passports.

 

Maybe Manilla has to do a review for anyone living outside CONUS, and they will schedule an interview if required.