SS via Manila - or?

[KhaoHom]

I'm going to draw SS next year on my BD.

 

One issue I'm wrestling with is having the money sent to Thailand and be subject to tax no way round it as it plonks into your account. I'd read not to worry as US has tax treaties. Also looks like it will be exempt anyway with possible changes to exempting from US federal income tax.

 

Do I need a special bank account for such monthly deposits?

 

How easy to set up with manila? How about home - using friend address as mail drop?

 

How to send proof of whatever to manila? Maybe window virtual fax? Will they respond via email ? Does anyone make a trip there? Is schedule an appointment I'll complicated like at the embassy here?

 

Thanks in advance

[sqwakvfr]

it does not seem easy at all. I applied online for SS retirement at 62 almost 2 months ago. The only thing I know is "a representative in Manila started reviewing your application".  The SS website indicates the review will take 30 days to complete but that was 30 days ago. I have sent emails but so far no response.  Hopefully things will improve  by next year. 

 

I used a Thailand address so I don't know if the process is better if one uses a US address.

[Gecko123]

Any email correspondence with Manila should generate a "do not reply" automatic response advising you that they will respond to your inquiry within 14 working days or thereabouts. You can start the application process by sending an email to Manila, but you will soon be asked to complete a formal ss application which I believe needs to be sent back by mail. Recommend either registered or EMS express mail svc when corresponding with Manila just for the peace of mind tracking provides.

 

You can't set up a MySocial Security account on line outside the US. Once the  application  is processed by Manila, you will then need to verify your identity in person either at the Embassy in Bangkok or consulate in Chiang Mai. I don't know anything about taxation of social security benefits deposited to a Thai bank account, but you don't need a "special" account, a regular savings account is fine. You also might want to start thinking about whether you want to have Part B or other Medicare plan premiums deducted from your ss benefit.

[KhaoHom]

I set up a myss account already when in USA ,but I never saw the point of it. There were serious security measures and the password system was very tedious. I no longer have that password I believe.

 

How early should I begin? I want to draw about 11 mo's from now. I'd read maybe on big SS site four months. Maybe 6 here?

 

What sort of docs will they want?

 

Is it just as easy to deposit in USA as Thailand? Do you avoid the dread letter?  I use a friend's house as a drop, but can't be forever.

 

Part B

I'm a dead ender here so no part B..

[Gecko123]

25 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

I set up a myss account already when in USA ,but I never saw the point of it. There were serious security measures and the password system was very tedious. I no longer have that password I believe.

 

How early should I begin? I want to draw about 11 mo's from now. I'd read maybe on big SS site four months. Maybe 6 here?

 

What sort of docs will they want?

 

Is it just as easy to deposit in USA as Thailand? Do you avoid the dread letter?  I use a friend's house as a drop, but can't be forever.

 

Part B

I'm a dead ender here so no part B..

Would be interested to know if you can access your my ss account from Thailand. I imagine you can't, but if you can, I'm pretty sure you can file the on line app for benefits on that website. Just follow the time frames indicated on line, no need for longer lead time just because you are overseas. Documents required are minimal (although as I am sure you are aware God only knows what requirements Trump might try to institute between now and the time you apply.  I recall now that after app is filed you will have some sort of phone interview with Manila where some preliminary identity verification questions are asked, (city of birth, mother's maiden name, that sort of thing.) Just as easy to have payment deposited into US account, but does not eliminate proof of life letter. That's triggered by your mailing address. Should point out that payment into US account allows you control of the timing of currency exchange.  

 

P.S. Pretty sure you can download the benefits app from the SS website even if you don't have or can't access your MySS website.