2025 SSA Form 7162 - "Hello, are you dead yet?" forms.

[Jingthing]

42 minutes ago, Galong said:

If indeed it's $160 to mail a document, then perhaps the US Embassy or the FBU should offer this transfer service.  There has to be a fix. How quickly can they find a fix on this time-sensitive issue, that is the burning question then?

They won't. 

[cusanus]

1 hour ago, Galong said:

If indeed it's $160 to mail a document, then perhaps the US Embassy or the FBU should offer this transfer service.  There has to be a fix. How quickly can they find a fix on this time-sensitive issue, that is the burning question then?

Maybe when they release the Epstein files?

[retiree]

18 hours ago, Galong said:

Someone posted this address:
Social Security Administration
Data Operations Center
Attn: SSA-7162 Process
1150 E. Mountain Drive
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-7162
U.S.A.

 

Does anybody know the phone number that goes along with that?  Some express services require one. 

[mogandave]

4 hours ago, Galong said:

If indeed it's $160 to mail a document, then perhaps the US Embassy or the FBU should offer this transfer service.  There has to be a fix. How quickly can they find a fix on this time-sensitive issue, that is the burning question then?

It’s not that time sensitive. If you don’t mail it, you just get another notice in a few months.

[cusanus]

4 hours ago, retiree said:

Does anybody know the phone number that goes along with that?  Some express services require one. 

(866) 686-9505 ---->  https://duckduckgo.com/?q=wilkes-barre+ssa+phone&atb=v259-1&t=chromentp&ia=web

[cusanus]

Letters and items <$100 are still being shipped to US by India and some other countries. AI Assist repeats that song for Thailand, but you can't trust AI. The reality seems to be that Thailand and some other countries won't let you even mail a letter. Hopefully, this is not the case or will soon change. Has anyone tried to mail a letter yet?  https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/news/thailand-post-temporarily-bans-all-mail-to-united-states-515367

[retiree]

6 minutes ago, cusanus said:

Has anyone tried to mail a letter yet?

Yes, yesterday in Bangkok. Refused.  The executive order does not explicitly permit first class mail, and I think Thailand Post's international carrier, like others around the world, does not want to get left in the lurch holding a large number of letters it can't deliver.

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, retiree said:

Yes, yesterday in Bangkok. Refused.  The executive order does not explicitly permit first class mail, and I think Thailand Post's international carrier, like others around the world, does not want to get left in the lurch holding a large number of letters it can't deliver.

Need to up my shares of UPS 

 

Good thing I sent 2 in last month

              

[Galong]

How many of you have still not received your form 7162?  I'm in Phuket Town.  I'm beginning to think mine got lost or something. The post office knows my house, even though it's tucked away. A buddy who lives in Patong got his a few days ago. He has a PO box.  I have a street address.

I don't know what to do: wait a bit longer, contact FBU, or assume that I'll get it on the 2nd mailing. 

[cusanus]

34 minutes ago, Galong said:

How many of you have still not received your form 7162?  I'm in Phuket Town.  I'm beginning to think mine got lost or something. 
I don't know what to do: wait a bit longer, contact FBU, or assume that I'll get it on the 2nd mailing. 

The second mailing? Is there a second one with this being so late? Weird, got mine in CM the 8th I think, friend the 7th, three days after someone in Bangkok got it. Try emailing Manila. I don't think it's any trouble for them. That's their job. But I would wait a few more days because it is taking a long time for some to get one. Is anyone else still waiting? 

[Galong]

1 hour ago, cusanus said:

The second mailing? Is there a second one with this being so late? Weird, got mine in CM the 8th I think, friend the 7th, three days after someone in Bangkok got it. Try emailing Manila. I don't think it's any trouble for them. That's their job. But I would wait a few more days because it is taking a long time for some to get one. Is anyone else still waiting? 

Yeah, my concern is that so many have gotten theirs quite a while ago. The post office near my home says they don't see my form on their computer. They're usually helpful. Another buddy of mine in the northern part of Phuket still hasn't gotten his. He has a street address, not a PO Box. He had a PO Box and the SSA told him to get a street address a couple of years ago.

My issue could still be a screw up within Thailand (Thai postal service)... who knows. 🤷‍♂️

I'll email or call Manila in a couple of days. I've never called them. Does that work well (sorry if that's a silly question)?   Thanks.

Since the SSA doesn't really tell us what to do and what's going on, I only assume they'll do a second mailing in Sept/Oct.  🤞🤞

[cusanus]

1 hour ago, Galong said:

I'll email or call Manila in a couple of days. I've never called them. Does that work well (sorry if that's a silly question)?   Thanks.
Since the SSA doesn't really tell us what to do and what's going on, I only assume they'll do a second mailing in Sept/Oct.  🤞🤞

My friend calls them and gets through, but I only email simce I have a Magicjack and use it to call ssa in the states. Also ask them if a 2nd mailing is coming. 

[klauskunkel]

Received mine on Monday, Aug 18. On the next day, Aug 19 I mailed the original back in its own envelope via Air Mail. At that time I also mailed a copy via EMS as well. Here is the tracking on that one:

 

 

So I guess, so far so good. This was my first ever Are-you-dead-yet form.

[Galong]

7 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

So I guess, so far so good. This was my first ever Are-you-dead-yet form.

 

So, how long have you been getting SS here?  Do you use a Thai bank or a US bank account?  I find it interesting that others have had temporary suspensions, while others never filed (because they didn't get the form) and don't get suspended. The inconsistency is also scary.   

Someone early on in this thread said they got suspended and it took 3 or 4 months to get it restored (with back payments). 3 or 4 months would be very hard for me mentally. Others here say they've not filed before.  Someone said FBU told them that ONLY SOME PEOPLE will get the form.  What on earth is going on?

[Jingthing]

4 minutes ago, Galong said:

So, how long have you been getting SS here?  Do you use a Thai bank or a US bank account?  I find it interesting that others have had temporary suspensions, while others never filed (because they didn't get the form) and don't get suspended. The inconsistency is also scary.   

Someone early on in this thread said they got suspended and it took 3 or 4 months to get it restored (with back payments). 3 or 4 months would be very hard for me mentally. Others here say they've not filed before.  Someone said FBU told them that ONLY SOME PEOPLE will get the form.  What on earth is going on?

I've been getting them every year except the expected one now which I haven't received.

My understanding has always been everyone is supposed to get the form that has a non-US address on record and nobody with a U.S. address gets the form.

I am also confused about whether it's really true that some non-US address people don't get it.

I would also appreciate confirmation about that.

[Jingthing]

21 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Received mine on Monday, Aug 18. On the next day, Aug 19 I mailed the original back in its own envelope via Air Mail. At that time I also mailed a copy via EMS as well. Here is the tracking on that one:

 

 

So I guess, so far so good. This was my first ever Are-you-dead-yet form.

You got lucky to get it into the mail before Thai Post suspended all mail service to the USA in response to our "wonderful" president's tariff program. 

[actonion]

Mine was posted  from UK to Thailand,  Post mark dated   April 2025,..... it arrived   in Thailand  August 23rd, my Pension was suspended, calls to the Pension company assured me  they posted  it in April..... Complaints to Thai postal service falls on Deaf Ears;

 

I  posted back my form Via  Thai Registered Mail, after 3 weeks  their  Postal Tracking system shows my form is En Route, while the Royal Mail Tracking system shows it has been delivered, Obviously they're not updating their tracking system ....

[Galong]

40 minutes ago, actonion said:

Mine was posted  from UK to Thailand,  Post mark dated   April 2025,..... it arrived   in Thailand  August 23rd, my Pension was suspended, calls to the Pension company assured me  they posted  it in April..... Complaints to Thai postal service falls on Deaf Ears;

 

I  posted back my form Via  Thai Registered Mail, after 3 weeks  their  Postal Tracking system shows my form is En Route, while the Royal Mail Tracking system shows it has been delivered, Obviously they're not updating their tracking system ....

This is a prime example of why this entire setup is flawed. We are at the mercy of people who seemingly don't care about how important our documents are to us! We are relying on TWO postal services for something completely unnecessary (deaths are reported to the US Embassy right away) and inefficient for a time-sensitive report. 🤦   It is in THEIR interest to make this smoother. They could be swamped with people in Feb when they don't get their Soc Sec deposit.   The movie Idiocracy was apparently a documentary. 

[klauskunkel]

2 hours ago, Galong said:

So, how long have you been getting SS here?  Do you use a Thai bank or a US bank account?

since last year March, direct deposit Thai bank

[Pib]

3 hours ago, Galong said:

So, how long have you been getting SS here?  Do you use a Thai bank or a US bank account?  I find it interesting that others have had temporary suspensions, while others never filed (because they didn't get the form) and don't get suspended. The inconsistency is also scary.   

Someone early on in this thread said they got suspended and it took 3 or 4 months to get it restored (with back payments). 3 or 4 months would be very hard for me mentally. Others here say they've not filed before.  Someone said FBU told them that ONLY SOME PEOPLE will get the form.  What on earth is going on?

 

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I've been getting them every year except the expected one now which I haven't received.

My understanding has always been everyone is supposed to get the form that has a non-US address on record and nobody with a U.S. address gets the form.

I am also confused about whether it's really true that some non-US address people don't get it.

I would also appreciate confirmation about that.

 

If having a overseas address on-file with the SSA as to "how often" you receive a 7162 depends on the country you are living in, your age, your Beneficiary Identification Code (BIC), and/or SSN.   Thailand is on an annual schedule for "most"  (not all) SSA beneficiaries.   

 

See below SSA POMS (i.e., SSA regulation/instruction) regarding the mailing schedule and pay particular attention the parts that talk annual or biennial schedule like just for example how a person with a BIC of "B" (which means a wife of at least 62 who is receiving a SSA pension based on your earnings record vs her earnings record often called a spousal pension).    Such a wife with a  BIC "B" code will only receive a 7162 every two years even if she lives in a country that is coded for annual 7162 for most beneficiaries,  but if she's 90 or more she will get it every year.   And below POMS even states whether she will receive her 7162 in a odd or even year.    Now if it's the "husband" who is earnings a SSA pension based on a wife's earning record then that husband will have a SSA BIC of "B1".  

 

My wife is a prime example as she didn't work long enough to earn a SSA pension based on her own earnings record (she fell short by 6 months); however, she does receive a SSA spousal pension based on my earnings record, she has  SSA BIC of "B", and because of having a "B" code she receives a 7162 "every other year (on even years)" here in Thailand...while I receive a 7162 every year.    Now once she reaches the grand old age of 90 many years away she start getting a 7162 every year.   i guess once a person reach 90 

 

Since my pension is based on my earnings record I have a BIC code of "A" which I expect most (but not all) SSA beneficiaries who following this topic also have....your BIC is shown under a 7162  heading labelled "BIC" where there is bunch of long codes and your SSN are shown ....just under where you can enter your phone number.  Now, there may be a few out there who have a 'B1" code talked about in above paragraph which would put that person living in Thailand on a biennial schedule.   There is a whole bunch of possible BIC codes but if yours BIC code is a "B, D, F, J, and W" you will only receive a 7162 in Thailand every other year.   

 

See below POMS for more details on the annual, biennial, BIC code, etc., 7162-determined schedule....and at the very bottom of the POMS is a link that will show countries that the SSA has temporarily exempted from mailing 7162's due to mailing disruptions in that country (and no, Thailand is not on the list).    In closing I expect most of us with a Thailand address have a BIC of "A" but some of you (or your spouse) may have some other BIC code which might have you on an every-other-year schedule.

 

RS 02655.005 Preparation and Mailing Schedule — Foreign Enforcement Program (FEP)....formal name for 7162/7161 program.

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655005

  

 

[cusanus]

4 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

Received mine on Monday, Aug 18. On the next day, Aug 19 I mailed the original back in its own envelope via Air Mail. At that time I also mailed a copy via EMS as well. Here is the tracking on that one:

 

A copy might work, but the SSA website stresses that only original signatures are accepted. Maybe next time make a copy of the form before you fill it in and sign/date both. 

[Jingthing]

45 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

 

If having a overseas address on-file with the SSA as to "how often" you receive a 7162 depends on the country you are living in, your age, your Beneficiary Identification Code (BIC), and/or SSN.   Thailand is on an annual schedule for "most"  (not all) SSA beneficiaries.   

 

See below SSA POMS (i.e., SSA regulation/instruction) regarding the mailing schedule and pay particular attention the parts that talk annual or biennial schedule like just for example how a person with a BIC of "B" (which means a wife of at least 62 who is receiving a SSA pension based on your earnings record vs her earnings record often called a spousal pension).    Such a wife with a  BIC "B" code will only receive a 7162 every two years even if she lives in a country that is coded for annual 7162 for most beneficiaries,  but if she's 90 or more she will get it every year.   And below POMS even states whether she will receive her 7162 in a odd or even year.    Now if it's the "husband" who is earnings a SSA pension based on a wife's earning record then that husband will have a SSA BIC of "B1".  

 

My wife is a prime example as she didn't work long enough to earn a SSA pension based on her own earnings record (she fell short by 6 months); however, she does receive a SSA spousal pension based on my earnings record, she has  SSA BIC of "B", and because of having a "B" code she receives a 7162 "every other year (on even years)" here in Thailand...while I receive a 7162 every year.    Now once she reaches the grand old age of 90 many years away she start getting a 7162 every year.   i guess once a person reach 90 

 

Since my pension is based on my earnings record I have a BIC code of "A" which I expect most (but not all) SSA beneficiaries who following this topic also have....your BIC is shown under a 7162  heading labelled "BIC" where there is bunch of long codes and your SSN are shown ....just under where you can enter your phone number.  Now, there may be a few out there who have a 'B1" code talked about in above paragraph which would put that person living in Thailand on a biennial schedule.   There is a whole bunch of possible BIC codes but if yours BIC code is a "B, D, F, J, and W" you will only receive a 7162 in Thailand every other year.   

 

See below POMS for more details on the annual, biennial, BIC code, etc., 7162-determined schedule....and at the very bottom of the POMS is a link that will show countries that the SSA has temporarily exempted from mailing 7162's due to mailing disruptions in that country (and no, Thailand is not on the list).    In closing I expect most of us with a Thailand address have a BIC of "A" but some of you (or your spouse) may have some other BIC code which might have you on an every-other-year schedule.

 

RS 02655.005 Preparation and Mailing Schedule — Foreign Enforcement Program (FEP)....formal name for 7162/7161 program.

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655005

  

 

I was speaking of Thailand only given the audience here.

I was well aware that expats in some countries are biannual.

In general Thailand is an annual country so is surprising news to me that some in Thailand are biannual. Thanks for that.

Of course if you're using a US address this dooesn't concern you.

[cusanus]

4 hours ago, actonion said:

Mine was posted  from UK to Thailand,  Post mark dated   April 2025,..... it arrived   in Thailand  August 23rd, my Pension was suspended, calls to the Pension company assured me  they posted  it in April..... Complaints to Thai postal service falls on Deaf Ears; I  posted back my form Via  Thai Registered Mail, after 3 weeks  their  Postal Tracking system shows my form is En Route, while the Royal Mail Tracking system shows it has been delivered, Obviously they're not updating their tracking system ....

?? 7162 forms are mailed from Wilkes-Barre only. If you don't fill it in your SS benefit is suspended February next year. Usually registered mail isn't tracked past point of entry, but I think EMS is.

[Pib]

1 minute ago, Jingthing said:

I was speaking of Thailand only given the audience here.

I was well aware that expats in some countries are biannual.

In general Thailand is an annual country so is surprising news to me that some in Thailand are biannual. Thanks for that.

Of course if you're using a US address this dooesn't concern you.

"Biennial" vs biannual....but I know what you meant.

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, Pib said:

"Biennial" vs biannual....but I know what you meant.

Thanks. 

[klauskunkel]

50 minutes ago, cusanus said:

A copy might work, but the SSA website stresses that only original signatures are accepted. Maybe next time make a copy of the form before you fill it in and sign/date both. 

Maybe that's exactly what I did...

[actonion]

16 hours ago, cusanus said:

?? 7162 forms are mailed from Wilkes-Barre only. If you don't fill it in your SS benefit is suspended February next year. Usually registered mail isn't tracked past point of entry, but I think EMS is.

Thai / UK tracking is door to door

[Thailand J]

I used a black pen, the original looks like a copy :).

16 hours ago, cusanus said:

A copy might work, but the SSA website stresses that only original signatures are accepted. Maybe next time make a copy of the form before you fill it in and sign/date both.

 

[Thailandbuckeye]

Received Saturday the 23rd, this is quicker than what I usually receive the form. I am located in 20150 Huay Yai area. I will send back by FedEx due to the postal problem.

 

 

[Pib]

36 minutes ago, Thailandbuckeye said:

Received Saturday the 23rd, this is quicker than what I usually receive the form. I am located in 20150 Huay Yai area. I will send back by FedEx due to the postal problem.

 

 

Just as a reminder according to the Thailand Postal announcement mailing service to the US is still available thru ThaiPostal if using their "Courier Post" mailing option, repeat their Courier Post mailing option.   The best I can figure from the ThaiPostal website is they use FedEx to provide this service. Mailing a 7162 via Courier Post would cost Bt1,530.   

 

Now when looking at the FedEx Thailand website it appears sending the same document package would cost approx Bt1,190 from Bangkok to Wilkes-Barre (may be a little different price depending on where you ship out of Thailand...I was using a Bangkok postal code as shipping origin).

 

So, it appears ThaiPostal adds a couple hundred baht price by acting as a middle man between the mail sender (i.e., you) and FedEx.

 

Just FYI in case a ThaiPostal office might be more convenient/nearby as compared to a FedEx office. 

 

 

https://international.thailandpost.com/services/1178/?lang=en

https://www.thailandpost.co.th/un/article_detail/product/565/9150#:~:text=อัตราชดใช้ค่าเสียหาย : วงเงินชดใช้,มาตรฐานที่กำหนดไว้ ***

 

https://www.fedex.com/en-th/online/rating.html