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.

[ricklev]

I did it recently.  No documents were required.  It was a few months wait for the phone interview appointment with Manilla.  The interview was only a few minutes of confirmation of what I submitted and future work plans.  A few weeks after the interview I got my first direct deposit to my USA bank for 5 months back benefits, as that is how long had passed since I submitted my start date in the online application.  

[Pib]

1 hour ago, ricklev said:

I did it recently.  No documents were required.  It was a few months wait for the phone interview appointment with Manilla.  The interview was only a few minutes of confirmation of what I submitted and future work plans.  A few weeks after the interview I got my first direct deposit to my USA bank for 5 months back benefits, as that is how long had passed since I submitted my start date in the online application.  

 

Pretty much the exact same thing happened around 18 months when I hand-worked a neighbor (a dual US/Thai citizen) thru the process.   He applied online....about two weeks later he got an email from Manila saying that Baltimore had relayed his application to them for some action.  And in that same email was an telephone interview appt about 2 months down the road.   

 

When telephone interview occurred (Manila calls you) it only took about 5 minutes to confirm a few things and Manila required him to provide his US passport (original or certified copy) via mail and email.   I think they also asked for a completed IDD direct deposit form since he want direct deposit via IDD.   He had already got certified true copy of his US passport from the US Embassy - Bangkok and had the direct deposit form complete to include the bank's part.   

 

Since he was a Naturalized US citizen Manila required him to provide his US passport "or" Naturalization Certificate just as I told him Manila would probably ask for such based on 2 other Naturalized US citizens I hand-walked in applying for SS pension.   But if a US citizen by birth it's unlikely they will ask for your passport. 

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

2 minutes ago, Pib said:

Since he was a Naturalized US citizen Manila required him to provide his US passport "or" Naturalization Certificate just as I told him Manila would probably ask for such based on 2 other Naturalized US citizens I hand-walked in apply for SS pension.   But if a US citizen by birth it's unlikely they will ask for your passport. 

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