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.

[cdemundo]

I have my SS deposited in the US.

I use Charles Schwab Bank and access my money by ATM.

Schwab refunds all ATM fees once a month.

 

Thailand has no record of these payments as far as I know.

I have an SCB account and I can deposit cash when I need to do so.

 

Maybe this won't work for everyone but it works for me.

 

[sqwakvfr]

1. One can apply up to 4 months before they are eligible (62 minus 4 months). I applied two months before i turn 62.

2. Yes the ssa.gov account on My SS was tedius to set up. I used the ID.me portal to access my SSA account. It has worked well in LOS and in the USA. I check the status of my application often but so far nothing has changed.  

3. I only submited an onlline application  Yes, so far no one from Manila has called or emailed about my application. 

4.  On the actual onlline application I was asked to provide the routing number and account number of the bank account  that I wanted my payment direct deposited.  I provided the information from my US Bank account. 

5. To verify my identity I have already obtained a certified copy of my passport from the US Embassy in Bangkok. This was free because it was for an SS application. Otherwise it would have been 1800 Baht(speaking of inflation??).  

[unblocktheplanet]

I just hope my $20/month SS doesn't go into Musk's account.

 

Manila was very responsive to me, guiding me step-by-step via quite a few emails. I waited until I turned 65. (Wouldn't want to settle for $17/month!)

 

What I worry about is the annual letter. Anybody know what happens if you don't reply? Thx.

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

You can't set up a MySocial Security account on line outside the US.

 

This is incorrect.  You can setup outside the US, but you may need to have your ID.me account as well.

 

You CAN set up ID.me from Thailand using your Thai address and cellphone.

 

Latest reports on applying for SS benefits it that it can be done online from overseas.  After processing, expect an email from Manilla to set up a telephone interview, which if reports are correct, they simply ask you about some items on your application for you to confirm.

 

Those reports also indicate that a certified copy of your passport is only needed for naturalized citizens.

 

On 4/12/2025 at 4:02 PM, KhaoHom said:

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.

 

SS payments are exempt from Thai tax by DTA.  No deductions will be deducted.  No requirement to file Thai tax return if that is your sole source of income remitted.

[KhaoHom]

Thanks everyone

 

Lots of procedures and processes.

 

 

16 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

you may need to have your ID.me account as well.

 

You CAN set up ID.me from Thailand using your Thai address and cellphone.

I've no idea about any ID Me (guess I should find out) 

but -

*I have a Real ID from CA

*I'm in My SS but pw may be lost

* Passport

* Certified copy

* Legal papers

If that helps

[bkk6060]

2 hours ago, Gecko123 said:

You can't set up a MySocial Security account on line outside the US.

You ever hear of a VPN?

[KhaoHom]

2 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

You ever hear of a VPN?

Yes  and I use it for security, but I don't believe banks, financial institutions don't know my location if that was a point.

[ricklev]

Things may have changed since Trump cut the budgets but I applied about 8 months ago through Manila and it was all done online through the social security portal. It did take a couple of months before approval through Manila and then another couple of months for a telephone call appointment. However it all went smoothly. I never had to provide any paperwork or ID verification. When it was finally approved I received all the back months from the date that I asked for it to be started. During the phone interview they asked me for my bank account information and I chose to have it deposited into my us account. 

[Sheryl]

SS income is NOT taxable in Thailand. 

 

US-Thai tax treaty clearly states it is assessable only in US.

 

If it were assessable in Thailand (which it is not), having it go first into a US account would not alter that fact as you'd still be somehow remitting it to Thailand.

 

You can do the whole application process through Manila, online then you'll get a phone interview at some point. No idea if budget/staff cuts have caused much  delay in this process, could have.

 

You can create a MySS account from abroad. Need an ID.me account so set that up. 

 

https://www.americansabroad.org/us-citizens-overseas-can-now-create-social-security-accounts-online

 

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

...

What I worry about is the annual letter. Anybody know what happens if you don't reply? Thx.

 

Your benefits get suspended. 

 

This is indeed a concern since the lettters are sent only by snail mail.  I almost never get mine.

 

What I do is print out a blank form, fill it in and  mail it in annually. 

[KhunLA]

9 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

 

Your benefits get suspended. 

 

This is indeed a concern since the lettters are sent only by snail mail.  I almost never get mine.

 

What I do is print out a blank form, fill it in and  mail it in annually. 

Agree.  Should get mine around July, as that's when I mailed them, yes, them, 2 mailed a week apart, last year.  I not received, as once didn't, but 2nd notice did arrive, then I'll mail the copies I have.

 

I always send 2 by snail mail, and about a week apart, so shouldn't get lost together.