7 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

 

I just send it regular air mail.

 

I tried sending it registered mail once using the SSA self-addressed envelope and this happened:

 

 

Yikes!!  I have always used EMS and never had any problems. It isn't cheap, but it has tracking. 

So what did you end up doing, sending it regular air mail?  BTW, how would you know when/if the SSA got your letter?  It seems like this confirmation could be online. The whole thing should be online. A lot of money is being wasted with this silly process. If we die, the embassy is notified by the Thai government. 
 

2 minutes ago, Galong said:

Yikes!!  I have always used EMS and never had any problems. It isn't cheap, but it has tracking. 

So what did you end up doing, sending it regular air mail?  BTW, how would you know when/if the SSA got your letter?  It seems like this confirmation could be online. The whole thing should be online. A lot of money is being wasted with this silly process. If we die, the embassy is notified by the Thai government. 
 

Mail should take two weeks exact, though this last six months it's been erratic. As I said, I never had problems for ten years, never bothered to check, but since then I wait three weeks and email Manila (attach copy of the filled in form) and ask if they'll check. Usually, they get back to me. [email protected] I think is the email. I've also called SS in the states with a Magic Jack and gotten a decent answer, but this year I think it's a mess.   

I am going to stop reading this thread.

May be will come back to read it when the new forms are  arriving.

more fun that way...

 

45 minutes ago, Galong said:

Yikes!!  I have always used EMS and never had any problems. It isn't cheap, but it has tracking. 

So what did you end up doing, sending it regular air mail?  BTW, how would you know when/if the SSA got your letter?  It seems like this confirmation could be online. The whole thing should be online. A lot of money is being wasted with this silly process. If we die, the embassy is notified by the Thai government. 
 

 

I re-sent the form regular air mail. 

 

I knew the SSA got the letter because I did not get a follow-up letter from them in October.

 

Someone on AN, I think it was Pib, deciphered the USPS return-to-sender sticker in a thread some years ago and said that the registered letter never got past the USPS international mail reception facility at JFK where the letter first hit the US. So the USPS can't even figure out an SSA self-addressed envelope! This was pre-DeJoy, too!

Suggestion.  This is plain out ridiculous.  Close the topic and let someone open a "Got my 7172 Form" when and if they decide to send the form out again.  Or, if you're in such a panic then go back to the US but I doubt most of you could afford to do it. 

 

Seriously,  many of you are going to create more problems by sending in a form that has not been sent out or requested yet.  The system is obviously already screwed up and all you are going to do is make the situation worse.  Stop with the nonsense and get on with your lives.  There are bigger problems coming than a form you didn't get so wake up and move on.

Only SSA announcement re 7162 2025: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655010

10 hours ago, cusanus said:

Only SSA announcement re 7162 2025: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302655010

I don't see any info specific about SSA not sending the 7162 form in the period required (May-June). This link only explains the overall processes that leads up to the suspension of benefits and post suspension processes.

On 7/16/2025 at 9:59 AM, Galong said:

The government could join the modern era and send the form electronically. For the few who don't have email, they can request a physical form. 

Returning the form could/should be online too. 

There has to be a way to make this more efficient. Sending a document and only requiring a signature (which could be forged) is no safer than sending it electronically... unless I'm missing something. 

Then again, we're talking about a country that apparently still uses floppy discs to control missiles. 🤷‍♂️

And Microsoft still uses a Floppy icon to click for SAVE.

On 7/8/2025 at 8:51 PM, Pib said:

 

I just got off the phone with SSA Intl Ops 8 July/8:30pm Thailand time...was on hold for about 20 minutes until I got a human.  I asked if 7162's have been mailed yet.  The rep started off by saying they are mailed-out in May/June.  I responded by pointing out this is July and crossfeed indicates no one has received a 7162 yet and maybe the mailing has been delayed.     The rep then said they are "being mailed out" or I could download a blank 7162 and mail it in.   When I pressed a little more (politely)  to if being "mailed out" really meant the mailing was delayed this year I got a Yes. 

 

The rep's "tap dance" responses implied to me the SSA didn't want to flat come out and say the 7162 mailing has been delayed for this year (or at least the rep I got didn't want to say such until pressed a little).   I expect depending on the rep that answers a person's call might give a little different answer since it involves an annual SSA task not being performed on time for this year...that is, actual mailing of the 7162 in May/Jun......like last year's mailing which occurred 6 June. 

 

Oh well, hopefully the 7162 will show up by the end of July.  If not I will fill out a blank one and mail it come early August---and then the bar-coded one mailed out by SSA will probably arrive my mailbox next day.  😜😀

 

   

 

 

On the webpage for the SSA IO (https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/),the page includes an email address to send to them email inquiries.  The email address is [email protected]; but trying to send them an email today the message doesn't send at all..anyone have a different email address for the SSA IO? 

5 hours ago, jeffandgop said:

On the webpage for the SSA IO (https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/),the page includes an email address to send to them email inquiries.  The email address is oio.net.post(at)ssa.gov; but trying to send them an email today the message doesn't send at all..anyone have a different email address for the SSA IO? 

Well, the rep at least did say that mailing in a blank form should be an acceptable solution, so that should settle the outrage over jumping the gun. If it includes the barcode and other stuff that shouldn't boil their livers either. No doubt the dogey shakeup has delayed the system, but I truly don't believe they will cut off benefits for those of us who can demonstrate we aren't dead yet. 

8 hours ago, jeffandgop said:

On the webpage for the SSA IO (https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/),the page includes an email address to send to them email inquiries.  The email address is [email protected]; but trying to send them an email today the message doesn't send at all..anyone have a different email address

This is the autoreply I got from that address:
 

Greetings, Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration Division of International Operations. We typically respond within 10 business days.  However, current volumes are high and may cause delays. We respectfully request that you avoid sending multiple emails, as this may cause further delays. 

I guess you could also mail a form to Manila. They did read my email so they haven't been fired yet, but they still haven't answered. I found this on Reddit which came from Manila a couple of years ago:

To reinstate your payments, please complete the attached Form SSA-7162 and mail it back to SSA’s Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) in Manila at the following address: Social Security Administration U.S. Embassy Manila1201 Roxas Boulevard, ErmitaManila, Philippines 0930 IMPORTANT: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept scanned, emailed, or faxed copies of the form. We MUST receive the actual form completed and signed.


 

Guess y'all don't realize, you are create you own problem.   Leave them people along, Soc Sec and especially Manila.  

 

FFS, it will get here when it gets here.  Or download one and mail it in.

 

You really can't fix stupid 

Some news. A friend just now got through to Manila FBU. He was told the first forms won't be mailed until late August or September. He also said the barcode is now required and filled in blank forms will not be accepted. I doubt he's right about that, but a heads up if your snail mail fails. Rob forgot the main question, had his 4 July form been logged, so I'm thinking of calling the states myself tonight. My Magicjack doesn't work for Manilla.   

58 minutes ago, cusanus said:

Some news. A friend just now got through to Manila FBU. He was told the first forms won't be mailed until late August or September. He also said the barcode is now required and filled in blank forms will not be accepted. I doubt he's right about that, but a heads up if your snail mail fails. Rob forgot the main question, had his 4 July form been logged, so I'm thinking of calling the states myself tonight. My Magicjack doesn't work for Manilla.   

That sounds very similar to other posts I've seen over the years where Manila will say they really want a person to send back the "bar-coded" 7162 sent to the person as that helps ensure the beneficiary lives at the address onfile with SSA...and of course probably makes it easier for the SSA to process/scan the returned form.  That's been a long standing SSA policy.  However, Manila has also said if a person doesn't receive the bar-coded 7162 then mail back a manual 7162.....that's all you can do.   A person can't mail back a bar-coded 7162 if they never receive it.

 

And "do not" mail a bar-coded or manual copy to Manila (they will not process it) unless it's in the Jan/Feb time frame and your monthly payment has been suspended....then Manila will process it.  And Manila will probably still require the person to mail another copy to Wilkes Barre.   

 

Years back I was told by a Manila rep that they will not accept/process a manual 7162 until after 1 Nov (that was their policy back then...but maybe not now...I don't know) because bar-coded 7162s are normally mailed in May/June (1st mailing) and then again in Sep/Oct (2nd mailing follow-up when no response to 1st mailing)....and the notice of suspension in mid Jan.

 

I expect this year Wilkes Barre will get a LOT of manual 7162 because of SSA not mailing out the bar-coded 7162 for 2025 on time due to turmoil at the SSA and other govt agencies.   And if a person does get a bar-coded 7162 after mailing back a manual 7162 then just complete and mail back the bar-coded 7162 also.  Complete and mail back anything the SSA sends you as mail transit and SSA processing times will surely have some docs "passing in the night." 

 

 

Just read this:

 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/social-security-wants-to-make-a-change-that-would-cause-3-4-million-more-people-to-have-to-visit-its-field-offices-fcc697a8

56 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

Just read this:

 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/social-security-wants-to-make-a-change-that-would-cause-3-4-million-more-people-to-have-to-visit-its-field-offices-fcc697a8

It's behind a paywall. It would be nice if a copy is posted here.

9 minutes ago, Autocan said:

It's behind a paywall. It would be nice if a copy is posted here.

No paywall for me, and I don't use a VPN.

 

A potential new Social Security Administration policy would force 3.4 million more people to visit field offices to update their addresses and make other routine requests at a time when the agency’s staffing has been cut and field offices face long wait times for appointments.

According to a regulatory filing, the SSA aims to expand the use of multi-step verification to generate a personal identification number (PIN) in order for beneficiaries to make changes to their address, check the status of claims, request benefit-verification letters or ask for tax forms by phone. If a beneficiary can’t handle the PIN process, they would be required to make the changes online or at a field office.

On 7/21/2025 at 11:43 AM, bamnutsak said:

the OEI (Baltimore) indicated that the forms were to be mailed this past week.

So, ten days ago, this was reported. I wonder how long it takes the letters to get from there to here on average. 

5 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

A potential new Social Security Administration policy would force 3.4 million more people to visit field offices to update their addresses and make other routine requests at a time when the agency’s staffing has been cut and field offices face long wait times for appointments.

Well, a plane trip to Manila might be a nice trip. 

19 minutes ago, Galong said:

So, ten days ago, this was reported. I wonder how long it takes the letters to get from there to here on average. 

Somehow I don't see dingdong's post on 7/21. Someone earlier claimed the forms were to be mailed by 11 July, well according to an SS peon. Now my friend is told by Manila that they won't be mailed until late Aug or Sept, and forms w/o barcodes not likely accepted unless your form is not received and January is upon you. I believe you can take that to heart. We'll probably get the form in Sept, then send normal mail is best, then email or call Manila a few weeks later to confirm if you've been watching the news or worked for the government and now you're the anxious type.  Yes, many on this thread have nerves of steel and lots of dough, I know. Wouldn't hurt to scan a copy of the form with barcode before you send it. As for this matter of having to visit a field office to make a change, I wouldn't worry about that because that's what the form is for, or was before all this dogey business. Knock on wood.  

25 minutes ago, cusanus said:

Somehow I don't see dingdong's post on 7/21. Someone earlier claimed the forms were to be mailed by 11 July, well according to an SS peon. Now my friend is told by Manila that they won't be mailed until late Aug or Sept, and forms w/o barcodes not likely accepted unless your form is not received and January is upon you. I believe you can take that to heart. We'll probably get the form in Sept, then send normal mail is best, then email or call Manila a few weeks later to confirm if you've been watching the news or worked for the government and now you're the anxious type.  Yes, many on this thread have nerves of steel and lots of dough, I know. Wouldn't hurt to scan a copy of the form with barcode before you send it. As for this matter of having to visit a field office to make a change, I wouldn't worry about that because that's what the form is for, or was before all this dogey business. Knock on wood.  

Chat GPT (grain of salt) suggests filling out a blank form and adding a cover letter with a copy of last year's bar code added to the cover letter.  The cover letter could say something like, “I did not receive this year’s SSA‑7162. I am including a copy of last year’s barcode to assist with identification.”

I wish the self-proclaimed greatest country on earth could get off of their backsides and send a simple explanation and preferred course of action, but alas... 🤷‍♂️🤦

2 hours ago, Galong said:

Chat GPT (grain of salt) suggests filling out a blank form and adding a cover letter with a copy of last year's bar code added to the cover letter.  The cover letter could say something like, “I did not receive this year’s SSA‑7162. I am including a copy of last year’s barcode to assist with identification.” 
I wish the self-proclaimed greatest country on earth could get off of their backsides and send a simple explanation and preferred course of action, but alas... 🤷‍♂️🤦

Yeah, Muskmelon is draining city water supplies to feed these AI super computer beasts that kick out surreal images with oversize crotches and totally irrational answers.  The world has gone mad. All the parts in AI are there, but the results off the mark and full of baloney. But we just have to wait until the form comes in Sept, and if it doesn't or isn't logged by January, fill in the blank one and send to both Manila and Wilkes-Barre as Pib explained so well where I missed. I'll try to call tonight and find out if my 4 July barcode made the grade. That means I can't go to bed at 10:00 but what the hell. 

Ok, got an answer from SSA in the states after about 15 minutes. She spent another fifteen minutes trying to find a record of my form receipt, but failed to do so. She recommended calling again in three weeks to check. She didn't seem to be aware that the 2025 forms were never mailed yet. If it isn't there in a few weeks, I'll just wait for September.  

Off topic bickering removed.

9 hours ago, cusanus said:

Ok, got an answer from SSA in the states after about 15 minutes. She spent another fifteen minutes trying to find a record of my form receipt, but failed to do so. She recommended calling again in three weeks to check. She didn't seem to be aware that the 2025 forms were never mailed yet. If it isn't there in a few weeks, I'll just wait for September.  

Appreciate you calling them.  Not surprised they unfortunately didn’t have a clue!  On what basis are we expecting the forms to show up in September?  Did I miss something?

Just now, MJoe said:

On what basis are we expecting the forms to show up in September?  Did I miss something?

You didn't seem to miss anything. The FBU in Manila and the SSA in the US are being dreadfully unhelpful. It's as if they have no idea what they're doing. A simple 'official' statement would end all of our concern/anxiety. This is so disappointing.

I flip-flop between filing a blank form (with a cut-and-pasted barcode from last year's form on the cover page) and simply waiting. 

What are your plans given what little we know at this moment?

Just curious, how many folks went to Chiang Mai and met with the FBU when they were there a week or so ago?

 

 

48 minutes ago, MJoe said:

Appreciate you calling them.  Not surprised they unfortunately didn’t have a clue!  On what basis are we expecting the forms to show up in September?  Did I miss something?

You did. A friend called them a few days ago and was told the forms would be mailed late Aug or Sept, forms w/o barcode not accepted, also my 4 July form hasn't been received yet. The only option is to wait for the mailed form. You could send a form with barcode like I did, but it's a shot in the dark.

9 hours ago, cusanus said:

You did. A friend called them a few days ago and was told the forms would be mailed late Aug or Sept, forms w/o barcode not accepted, also my 4 July form hasn't been received yet. The only option is to wait for the mailed form. You could send a form with barcode like I did, but it's a shot in the dark.

Ah thanks.  I see now where you posted that above.  I’m sure this will be another unpopular opinion, but I don’t feel any reason to trust what the representative said that these will be sent in September.  As we have received so much contradictory information from representatives so far, why would we believe this representative?  They say what’s easiest to get the person off the phone IMO.  I’d feel differently if we were getting consistent information from reps in Baltimore and Manila but we are not.

Hurry up and wait.

This is such a stupid situation and yes I do blame the current shambolic regime.