8 minutes ago, MJoe said:

When you guys use EMS in Thailand, are you able to still use the specific return envelope provided by SSA, or does the post office make you put it in a different envelope?  If I want to return mine Express from Australia, they put it in a different envelope. Bottom line is — is it risky to return the form in a different envelope than the actual return envelope specifically provided by SSA?

I think it goes in a larger envelope with a label. Opinions vary about the safest method of return. (Priority) cheap airmail has never failed me in 20 years. If you use tracking or courier I think it's best to use the physical address (see prior post) and not the PO Box on the return envelope, but again, opinions vary.  

23 minutes ago, cusanus said:

I think it goes in a larger envelope with a label. Opinions vary about the safest method of return. (Priority) cheap airmail has never failed me in 20 years. If you use tracking or courier I think it's best to use the physical address (see prior post) and not the PO Box on the return envelope, but again, opinions vary.  

Thanks.  You have been sooooo helpful through this nightmare!  I would prefer to send it Express, but don’t want to send it back in a different envelope than the one SSA provides.  But it seems like a fair chunk of folks in Thailand are regularly sending it back in a different / larger envelope for EMS, and it is safely getting processed by SSA?  (I’m definitely not doing tracking or registered.)

11 hours ago, KhunLA said:

You said the ThaiPost is bad, yet it showed up on time.  Apparently USPS is good also, as you don't state, what, how, or when they were bad.   Has nothing to do with USPS or ThaiPost, it's a Soc Sec issue, and I'm not even sure what or how that was a problem.   

 

Just a bunch of nervous Nellies, even after SS advised, the 7162, will be a bit later this year.  

Read it again if you cant figure out what I said. Knock yourself out. 

So is it true that the Form is NOT sent out if one is in the USA, originally enrolled while living in the USA etc?

8 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

So is it true that the Form is NOT sent out if one is in the USA, originally enrolled while living in the USA etc?

If your address on SS record is NOT in the USA, then it's sent there. If it gets forwarded to you (or not) and you're living in the USA (or not), it's your responsibility to notify the SSA of your new address with or without the form. 

1 hour ago, gk10012001 said:

So is it true that the Form is NOT sent out if one is in the USA, originally enrolled while living in the USA etc?

As stated, if your address on record is in USA, then you won't receive 7162 ... BUT ... supposedly, you have to have an intern'l address on file to have funds transferred to non USA bank.

 

I actually submitted a change of address back to a USA address, without realizing that rule.    Address change was 'almost' approved, as I whimped out of the last verification step, having to verify, via return mail, I think, letter sent from or pin verification (?) the USA address.   This was last year, my brother received the verification letter, and we didn't take action required to finalize address change.

 

May explain why I haven't received my 7162 yet, but would also mean my address was changed to USA, without the  final verification being done.  That certainly wouldn't surprise me.  

 

When I submitted the address change, there was no mention or asking, of new bank account for SS DD to be deposited in, or warning, non USA bank was not allowed.

 

I've also submitted change of address, different Thai addresses, PO Box to house address, a couple times on the 7162, which apparently has never been read or changed as it continued to be delivered to the PO Box the last 2 years, instead of the house.  

 

I did send two 7162 forms in last month, to WB, so DD of SS isn't interrupted for Imm here.  I won't know what address is on file, until the 1099 is sent out.   Will it arrive in TH, or the USA 

The only change of address I know of on a 7162 was reflected in the next year's mailing, but a minor point of interest here. I was told, and believe it true, that if your address has changed on your most recent 1040 tax return, this is picked up and used by the SSA, so that's an easy way to make the change.

3 minutes ago, cusanus said:

The only change of address I know of on a 7162 was reflected in the next year's mailing, but a minor point of interest here. I was told, and believe it true, that if your address has changed on your most recent 1040 tax return, this is picked up and used by the SSA, so that's an easy way to make the change.

I'm too poor to file taxes, although the last time I filed FBAR, I put a notation on it, that I was too poor to file 1040, so don't expect one, feel free to verify.   

 

Which IRS took as an invitation to file one for me. 1 or 2 years later, I received a letter, stating my 1040 for that year was delayed, 'due to covid', and about a year later (no exaggeration), received another stating the same.  

 

Finally, about a year later, received a letter stating 1040 was done, and I didn't owe any taxes.   That was followed up by a phone call, basically a customer service survey, live IRS rep conversation, and how I found out about the WB PO Box scam.

 

Amazing inefficiency of govt, literally took years for them to file a 1040 for me.  So SS screwing up my address on file, will be no surprise at all.

12 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

I'm too poor to file taxes, although the last time I filed FBAR, I put a notation on it, that I was too poor to file 1040, so don't expect one, feel free to verify.   Which IRS took as an invitation to file one for me. 1 or 2 years later, I received a letter, stating my 1040 for that year was delayed, 'due to covid', and about a year later (no exaggeration), received another stating the same.  Finally, about a year later, received a letter stating 1040 was done, and I didn't owe any taxes.   That was followed up by a phone call, basically a customer service survey, live IRS rep conversation, and how I found out about the WB PO Box scam. Amazing inefficiency of govt, literally took years for them to file a 1040 for me.  So SS screwing up my address on file, will be no surprise at all.

Your experiences are strange to say the least. Yes, I haven't owed taxes in 20 years, either. My SS is small because I couldn't get a job that wasn't mired in child porn or in office fornication or crack cocaine. But I file a 1040 each year anyway. Rule changes may take you by surprise and next thing you owe millions in penalties and back taxes. Ok, that's extreme, but it's not much effort to do one and so I do to be on the safe side. It's like making an offering to the beast or still refusing to eat the last bite of bread because your fingers were always greasy in the 60s when working on the railroad during lunch. 

1 minute ago, cusanus said:

Your experiences are strange to say the least. Yes, I haven't owed taxes in 20 years, either. My SS is small because I couldn't get a job that wasn't mired in child porn or in office fornication or crack cocaine. But I file a 1040 each year anyway. Rule changes may take you by surprise and next thing you owe millions in penalties and back taxes. Ok, that's extreme, but it's not much effort to do one and so I do to be on the safe side. It's like making an offering to the beast or still refusing to eat the last bite of bread because your fingers were always greasy in the 60s when working on the railroad during lunch. 

I haven't filled a 1040 since 2001, as my SS & pension has been under the limit to file.  Just barely of late, and only because I'm married.  I think I'm like $1000 under the need to file level.  If my pittance of a pension wasn't reduced, since I took it early, then I'd break that barrier, and I would need to file a 1040.

 

I'd have to throw in some BS deductions to avoid paying taxes.   Under a certain level, and you avoid getting audited.   Religious contribution is a good one, and would be more than enough 

1 hour ago, cusanus said:

The only change of address I know of on a 7162 was reflected in the next year's mailing, but a minor point of interest here. I was told, and believe it true, that if your address has changed on your most recent 1040 tax return, this is picked up and used by the SSA, so that's an easy way to make the change.

 

Not true if you are already drawing SSA benefits/pension....your onfile SSA address will not change if using a different address to file your taxes.   If drawing SSA benefits/pension you need to contact SSA to change your address.   I read that at the SSA website before.  Plus, when I file my US federal taxes (actually a joint return with wife who also draws SSA pension) we don't use our Thailand address which is onfile with the SSA but we use an US P.O. box address and also a regular US street address before although I was living in Thailand for years already and already drawing a SSA pension.  My (nor the wife's) SSA address has never changed because of using these US addresses to file taxes because we are already drawing a SSA pension.

 

Now if your are "not" drawing SSA benefits/pensions, which means you have never applied to SSA for any type of benefit, then SSA does use info from the IRS (primarily...but uses other sources also) for your address as most everyone files tax return....and it's a good way for the SSA to get an address for a person when that person does not interface with SSA like applying for some type of SSA benefit/pension....say  for most/healthy adults who really have no need to start interfacing with the SSA until they approach retirement age.

 

 

4 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Not true if you are already drawing SSA benefits/pension....your onfile SSA address will not change if using a different address to file your taxes.   If drawing SSA benefits/pension you need to contact SSA to change your address.   I read that at the SSA website before.  Plus, when I file my US federal taxes (actually a joint return with wife who also draws SSA pension) we don't use our Thailand address which is onfile with the SSA but we use an US P.O. box address and also a regular US street address before although I was living in Thailand for years already and already drawing a SSA pension.  My (nor the wife's) SSA address has never changed because of using these US addresses to file taxes because we are already drawing a SSA pension.

 

Now if your are "not" drawing SSA benefits/pensions, which means you have never applied to SSA for any type of benefit, then SSA does use info from the IRS for your address as most everyone files tax return....and it's a good way for the SSA to get an address for a person when that person does not interface with SSA like applying for some type of SSA benefit/pension....say  for most/healthy adults who really have no need to start interfacing with the SSA until they approach retirement age.

You're probably right. I remember a phone rep telling me this, but he was likely wrong or I don't rightly recall. I've never moved since collecting SS. 

16 hours ago, MJoe said:

 

Good news, mine arrived today.

 

When you guys use EMS in Thailand, are you able to still use the specific return envelope provided by SSA, or does the post office make you put it in a different envelope?  If I want to return mine Express from Australia, they put it in a different envelope.

 

Bottom line is — is it risky to return the form in a different envelope than the actual return envelope specifically provided by SSA?

My form just arrived today.

 

Even using the envelope provided can be risky.  Last year I mailed mine in using air mail as I have been doing for years without any problems.  After about 7-8 weeks it was returned to me here in Chiang Rai with a sticker put on it by the US post office stating that it was undeliverable as addressed even though  I used the envelope provided with the form.

On 8/13/2025 at 7:22 PM, KhunLA said:

I've never not received something in the post.  Once was months late, and had a tire tread mark on it, so explains that, and probably found when someone swept under something.

 

Only once was something I sent not received, and yea, it was the 7162 ... BUT ... they had a know scam issue going on at WB, and it was rectified.  That was confirmed with an IRS agent, strangely, that I was chatting to, as we got on that subject.

 

Really don't know how y'all lose stuff all the time, mail, passports, money, when having topics how to keep things safe.   Always stories of lost items. 

 

So guessing it was delivered, to the address on the envelop, and in a timely manner, as everyone got their this week or so, except me and the other fellow in the thread 

 

I'm out the door Sunday, so I won't see it for a couple weeks, unless it arrives before Sunday.

 

Well, I STILL haven't received my letter. And it comes to a PO Box I've been receiving it at for six years. Thai Mail has lost it or it wasn't sent.

2 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Well, I STILL haven't received my letter. And it comes to a PO Box I've been receiving it at for six years. Thai Mail has lost it or it wasn't sent.

Maybe give it another week and contact Manila by email or phone and ask what you should do. You should have had it by now. Who else hasn't gotten it? 

9 minutes ago, cusanus said:

Maybe give it another week and contact Manila by email or phone and ask what you should do. You should have had it by now. Who else hasn't gotten it? 

I'm in Phuket Town and haven't gotten mine yet. This is incredible frustrating and exceedingly unprofessional!!

What are the recommended steps if this form fails to arrive soon? My assumption is to wait for the second mailing, since, of course, the government of the self-proclaimed “greatest country on earth” will provide no meaningful guidance on proper protocol. The official channels remain silent, forcing me to search online (unsuccessfully) or turn to this forum, which ironically seems to be the most reliable source of practical information.
 

If the second mailing never materializes, I will likely be extremely stressed. I already manage clinical anxiety, and this type of uncertainty is unhealthy for me. I’m aware that worrying achieves nothing, but controlling it is another matter entirely. Based on what others have shared here, the fallback plan is to send a blank form in January… an approach that strikes me as both unnecessarily last-minute and profoundly unprofessional given the importance of this document.
 

Meanwhile, on the SSA’s official blog, Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano proclaims:

“As we honor this legacy, we are also building a future where service is faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. Through President Trump’s vision, we are protecting and preserving Social Security by delivering extraordinary customer service through technological improvements and enhanced process engineering.”

Given the current state of affairs, I can only assume “faster, smarter, and more accessible” is a new government euphemism for sporadic, opaque, and anxiety-inducing.

 🤦🤦🤦🤦

30 minutes ago, cusanus said:

Maybe give it another week and contact Manila by email or phone and ask what you should do. You should have had it by now. Who else hasn't gotten it? 

 

In the past, I've received within 5 or 6 days of the date at the top of the letter.

1 minute ago, Galong said:

I'm in Phuket Town and haven't gotten mine yet. This is incredible frustrating and exceedingly unprofessional!!

What are the recommended steps if this form fails to arrive soon? My assumption is to wait for the second mailing, since, of course, the government of the self-proclaimed “greatest country on earth” will provide no meaningful guidance on proper protocol. The official channels remain silent, forcing me to search online (unsuccessfully) or turn to this forum, which ironically seems to be the most reliable source of practical information.
 

If the second mailing never materializes, I will likely be extremely stressed. I already manage clinical anxiety, and this type of uncertainty is unhealthy for me. I’m aware that worrying achieves nothing, but controlling it is another matter entirely. Based on what others have shared here, the fallback plan is to send a blank form in January… an approach that strikes me as both unnecessarily last-minute and profoundly unprofessional given the importance of this document.
 

Meanwhile, on the SSA’s official blog, Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano proclaims:

“As we honor this legacy, we are also building a future where service is faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. Through President Trump’s vision, we are protecting and preserving Social Security by delivering extraordinary customer service through technological improvements and enhanced process engineering.”

Given the current state of affairs, I can only assume “faster, smarter, and more accessible” is a new government euphemism for sporadic, opaque, and anxiety-inducing.

 🤦🤦🤦🤦

 

Were it not for the fact that the damn letters were already two months late and now mine is two weeks overdue from when most people appeared to have received them, what do they expect us to think? Why the HELL are my social security benefits dependent on a FOREIGN post office delivering me official US government mail???

5 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Were it not for the fact that the damn letters were already two months late and now mine is two weeks overdue from when most people appeared to have received them, what do they expect us to think? Why the HELL are my social security benefits dependent on a FOREIGN post office delivering me official US government mail???

 

And to add, why can't we fill out the form on the My Social Security website. About the only thing it is good for is indicating active accounts and the last time funds were transferred to your bank account. Otherwise it is utterly worthless. I cannot change my address, telephone number, or banking details without trying to go through Manila, although I used to be able to change the address and telephone number online before Musk got hold of things. I tried contacting Manila through email to change my phone number a month ago, and of course they've never bothered to reply.

2 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

Were it not for the fact that the damn letters were already two months late and now mine is two weeks overdue from when most people appeared to have received them, what do they expect us to think? Why the HELL are my social security benefits dependent on a FOREIGN post office delivering me official US government mail???

The requirement itself is questionable, as has been repeatedly noted: if an American dies in Thailand, the Thai government is obligated to report it immediately to the U.S. Embassy. Problem solved. Alternatively, the process could be handled online, an idea that, apparently, remains far too advanced for the SSA’s “modernization” efforts.
 

Since the arrival of Commissioner Bisignano and the subsequent influence of Musk’s merry cadre of DOGE “efficiency” enthusiasts, the SSA’s operational competence has undergone a remarkable transformation. The former system at least functioned in a vaguely coherent way. It has been replaced with a model that could best be described as bureaucaratic incompetence.

So, in the worst-case scenario, am I expected to stay up all night to call the SSA during U.S. Eastern Time hours, attempt my luck with the uber-charming personalities at the Manila FBU, or navigate the International Operations department?

Based on past experience, I suspect the most accurate and timely information will come from this forum, rather than from the agency charged with providing it.

6 minutes ago, John Drake said:

 

And to add, why can't we fill out the form on the My Social Security website. About the only thing it is good for is indicating active accounts and the last time funds were transferred to your bank account. Otherwise it is utterly worthless. I cannot change my address, telephone number, or banking details without trying to go through Manila, although I used to be able to change the address and telephone number online before Musk got hold of things. I tried contacting Manila through email to change my phone number a month ago, and of course they've never bothered to reply.

Another useful addition to the “My Social Security” portal would be a feature confirming that Form 7162 has been received and processed. This is hardly cutting-edge technology, yet it would greatly improve efficiency for both parties. Beneficiaries could have peace of mind knowing the matter is resolved, and SSA staff could avoid a surge of calls in January from concerned recipients… calls that ultimately create additional work when benefits must be reinstated.

1 minute ago, Galong said:

So, in the worst-case scenario, am I expected to stay up all night to call the SSA during U.S. Eastern Time hours, attempt my luck with the uber-charming personalities at the Manila FBU, or navigate the International Operations department?

 

Or maybe they want us to make a trip to Manila and get an in-person appointment

4 minutes ago, Galong said:

Another useful addition to the “My Social Security” portal would be a feature confirming that Form 7162 has been received and processed. This is hardly cutting-edge technology, yet it would greatly improve efficiency for both parties. Beneficiaries could have peace of mind knowing the matter is resolved, and SSA staff could avoid a surge of calls in January from concerned recipients… calls that ultimately create additional work when benefits must be reinstated.

 

Of course, it was a lot easier when the FBU was located at the US embassy in Bangkok. I think that was a Trump first term move to push everything into Manila. Now, the embassy just shoos us away like insects.

For those still waiting for the form, I received mine yesterday.  The form was dated July 31, 2025 so hopefully yours will come soon.  For reference, last year my form was dated June 6 and the year before June 2.
 

My wife knows a few people at our local post office and they tend to rush deliver mail to us that comes from the US government.

On 8/13/2025 at 10:18 PM, cusanus said:

Your experiences are strange to say the least. Yes, I haven't owed taxes in 20 years, either. My SS is small because I couldn't get a job that wasn't mired in child porn or in office fornication or crack cocaine. But I file a 1040 each year anyway. Rule changes may take you by surprise and next thing you owe millions in penalties and back taxes. Ok, that's extreme, but it's not much effort to do one and so I do to be on the safe side. It's like making an offering to the beast or still refusing to eat the last bite of bread because your fingers were always greasy in the 60s when working on the railroad during lunch. 

yes i agree.  It is usually better to file the 1040 and close things out.  It can come in handy sometimes later if you need to prove to some agency how little you make say, as if you were applying for some benefits or aid or whatever. My mom's only income was meager Social Security and she never filed a 1040.  Became a bit of an issue when she was trying to show how little she gets when applying for various things like free hearing aids, grocery allotment etc.  Had to show proof of not having income.  

 

.  Yes technically and properly many people do not need to file a 1040.  Up to  you as they say in thailand.  My Social security alone is well over the no need to file threshold plus I do have IRAs and other holdings in my regular brokerage account and in a few years will hit the Required Minimum Distribution RMD age and will have to withdraw monies from my Traditional IRA which was a roll over IRA from all my various company 401k pre tax monies.  

All very good points, gentlemen, but nobody in the bureaucracy will listen to reason. We have no power and the truth has no meaning. It is not productive to examine the rapidly deteriorating state of politics in the US, but if you have any intelligence at all it is clear a madman is running things or better said taking a wrecking ball to the country and all that is decent. He is not only a prolific serial liar, but an obvious child molester, convicted rapist and thief who among other presidents was blackmailed by Epstein and Mossad with underaged girls, the result being US arms used to murder thousands of innocent men, women and children in Gaza. A lot of folks are suffering, but we are lectured to, not listenened to. I encourage you to give the mail system another week before contacting Manila. Sometimes things get stuck for a bit. Are you aware of Magicjack? No good for Manilla, but about $100 a year gives unlimited free calls to the US. I've used it for fifteen years, very handy. 

21 hours ago, statman78 said:

My form just arrived today.

 

Even using the envelope provided can be risky.  Last year I mailed mine in using air mail as I have been doing for years without any problems.  After about 7-8 weeks it was returned to me here in Chiang Rai with a sticker put on it by the US post office stating that it was undeliverable as addressed even though  I used the envelope provided with the form.

Guess I'll need to check my mail.

When did people start getting these?

1 minute ago, connda said:

When did people start getting these?

Some in Bangkok the 6th I think, a friend here in CM the 7th, mine the 8th, another friend the 11th... 

9 minutes ago, cusanus said:

I encourage you to give the mail system another week before contacting Manila. Are you aware of Magicjack? No good for Manilla, but about $100 a year gives unlimited free calls to the US. I've used it for fifteen years, very handy. 

Yeah, I'll wait another week. So, your suggestion is to contact Manila. I'll try that... thanks for suggesting it.   

I use Viber Out for international calls. It's cheap and works just fine.