5 hours ago, cusanus said:

It's certainly an uneasy feeling knowing SSA was supposed to mail the 7162 in early June after Musk and Rump laid off thousands of workers and totally gummed up SS offices throughout the country. Certainly an explanation of the late forms would be given if the late mailing was an honest mistake, but you won't find one. Of course the intention is to stop payments to as many SS recipients as possible, and they'll be looking for ways to stall benefits to expats and destroy the system. I think it not advisable to just stew about it, so I scanned a copy of last year's form (to preserve the barcode) and blanked out the old signature and date, printed, signed and dated for myself and two friends and sent those yesterday to Wilkes-Barre common mail. In a month I'll email Manilla and ask if it was received and attach a scanned copy of the signed forms. Usually, they will confirm it was received and have previously accepted scanned copies and marked them received w/o further ado. Well, we'll see now. If they haven't gotten recorded by October, rinse and repeat. 

Thanks - I totally agree they are looking to stall benefits to expats.  I am going to follow what you have done.  Would you mind sharing what the email address is to email Manilla?  Also, are you saying previously Manilla is somehow able to confirm if the form sent to Wilkes-Barre has been recorded as having been received?

6 hours ago, cusanus said:

 Of course the intention is to stop payments to as many SS recipients as possible, and they'll be looking for ways to stall benefits to expats and destroy the system. 

Now y'all are just being silly.  

 

If they wanted to stop the pay outs, they could do anytime they wanted, and come up with any excuse.   Give it a rest.

 

They are not going to F with 28% of the registered voters.

3 hours ago, MJoe said:

Thanks - I totally agree they are looking to stall benefits to expats.  I am going to follow what you have done.  Would you mind sharing what the email address is to email Manilla?  Also, are you saying previously Manilla is somehow able to confirm if the form sent to Wilkes-Barre has been recorded as having been received?

Yeah, Try [email protected], one l sorry. Ask if they've received your form. Don't forget to include your SSN and/or attached copy of your signed form. They can also use the copy to register it, or they have done that in the past. Good luck. 

Call me stupid but i don't see how mailing an old form or a downloaded one is useful at this point , when no one in Thailand has reported receiving the 2025 form.

15 minutes ago, Thailand J said:

Call me stupid but i don't see how mailing an old form or a downloaded one is useful at this point , when no one in Thailand has reported receiving the 2025 form.

Not stupid.

It's way early to do anything except to wait for the form to arrive. 

An exception might be if you are unable to receive any mail for whatever reason.

11 hours ago, Jingthing said:

It's way early to do anything except to wait for the form to arrive. 

 

Exactly!

 

If the worry warts are so concerned then how about bombarding the FBU with queries or put daily posts on 'X" asking Musk and the Manilla ambassador where the forms are?

 

Looking at my records from last year, my form was dated June 6 when I received it. I mailed it out on June 26th so I'm thinking it probably took a few weeks from the time it was created and mailed to me.

 

After weeks had passed with mailing it I emailed the FBU mid-August and asked if they had received my signed form. They replied saying that since the process is undertaken by the US Central Office they couldn't tell me if it had been received at that time and to query them again in 1-2 months.

19 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Not stupid.

It's way early to do anything except to wait for the form to arrive. 

An exception might be if you are unable to receive any mail for whatever reason.

It's not an old form, it's just the the original barcode, COC, SSN that facilitates processing and ensures the right personal information is included. You can use a blank if that turns your crank or do nothing. My guess is you're okay to wait, but the official word is that the form is mailed early June and no statement has been issued for your benefit as to why it's three weeks late unlike in 2019. After DOGE's cuts and the breakdown of services at many SS offices in the states, it isn't stupid or paranoid to suspect that's also why the forms are late and may never come, but no reason to believe they will not be accepted when received. I've enquired Manila numerous times on my own behalf and for others using phone or email and they have always been able to tell me if the form was received or not. You're probably fine to wait it out, after all the turtle won the day. I'm neither paranoid nor stupid. I have a lot of time on my hands, many bad experiences with blind trust in government and so would rather not leave my only source of income up to chance. You, on the other hand are entitled to rely on full faith in the American government and nobody should be calling anyone stupid for waiting it out. 

54 minutes ago, cusanus said:

It's not an old form, it's just the the original barcode, COC, SSN that facilitates processing and ensures the right personal information is included. You can use a blank if that turns your crank or do nothing. My guess is you're okay to wait, but the official word is that the form is mailed early June and no statement has been issued for your benefit as to why it's three weeks late unlike in 2019. After DOGE's cuts and the breakdown of services at many SS offices in the states, it isn't stupid or paranoid to suspect that's also why the forms are late and may never come, but no reason to believe they will not be accepted when received. I've enquired Manila numerous times on my own behalf and for others using phone or email and they have always been able to tell me if the form was received or not. You're probably fine to wait it out, after all the turtle won the day. I'm neither paranoid nor stupid. I have a lot of time on my hands, many bad experiences with blind trust in government and so would rather not leave my only source of income up to chance. You, on the other hand are entitled to rely on full faith in the American government and nobody should be calling anyone stupid for waiting it out. 

You've got me wrong.

I have very little faith in the current authoritarian demagogic bozos now in charge in Washington.

But as far as this form, it isn't even close to where it would be logical to take any action. Keep in mind the standard is to do TWO MAILINGS. The first mailing yes appears to be late. But practically speaking the most logical time for there to be a need to take action is if the SECOND mailing doesn't arrive. The goal isn't to be an early bird. The goal is simply to avoid benefits cut off and there's plenty of time before that would come into play.

20 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

You've got me wrong.

I have very little faith in the current authoritarian demagogic bozos now in charge in Washington.

But as far as this form, it isn't even close to where it would be logical to take any action. Keep in mind the standard is to do TWO MAILINGS. The first mailing yes appears to be late. But practically speaking the most logical time for there to be a need to take action is if the SECOND mailing doesn't arrive. The goal isn't to be an early bird. The goal is simply to avoid benefits cut off and there's plenty of time before that would come into play.

Suit yourself, but this isn't a hitch in someone's mailbox. if there's no explanation why the first form didn't arrive, there's no reason to believe the second will ever show up. Since the 1st of this year it can take 2-3 months for a parcel to get to its destination in US from Thailand instead of the solid 2 weeks decades prior. It may well be Manila isn't able to confirm this year, either. They've always had periods where they can't respond and that was before these massive cuts, so you're cutting it thin if you wait that long, anyway that's how I see it, but then who am I. So, if you send in your 2nd form and it doesn't get there and you don't know or can't fix it in time, then surprise surprise come February no benefits. You may be right, but it's common knowledge that restoring benefits or making other changes since early 2025 hasn't been possible for many people due to changes in procedures and massive layoffs. Minor changes now require you to show up in person at a local SSA office after standing all day in line and if that applies to expats it means a plane ticket to the USA and a hell of a lot of trouble. Oh, but that's over reacting I hear you cry. Use your own judgment and give others the right to theirs.  

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

relax not a conspiracy not a war against expats smoke a joint drink some Johnny walker not it off 

33 minutes ago, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

relax not a conspiracy not a war against expats smoke a joint drink some Johnny walker not it off 

 

Based on news media reports over the past few months talking DOGE activities/impacts, such as causing delays in contract awards which support govt operations/activities,  quite a few govt employees/govt contractors losing their jobs, a backlog of workload, etc., I expect the DOGE turmoil has caused this 7162 mailing delay.  SSA operations have definitely been impacted....hopefully the SSA and other govt agencies will be able to get back on the rails over the coming year. 

On 7/5/2025 at 5:27 PM, MJoe said:

Thanks - I totally agree they are looking to stall benefits to expats.

No they are not.  If you're really so worried about it, write your Reps in Congress and the Senate. 

Everyone is in the same boat.  When the forms come everyone will get theirs.  If they don't come by October Plan B is to mail in copies of the form, even better if you have a copy of an old form with a bar-code which I personally have.

1 hour ago, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

relax not a conspiracy not a war against expats smoke a joint drink some Johnny walker not it off 

And there you have it.  Thanks for checking!  

11 hours ago, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

This is encouraging news.

 

Given past performance, these might start showing up ~ 22 July.

 

 

12 hours ago, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

relax not a conspiracy not a war against expats smoke a joint drink some Johnny walker not it off 

Just where does this "International Operations" reside and what is their phone number?

 

(Are you referring to the FBU in Manilla?)

 

TIA, as I like to confirm things myself rather than take the word of an unknown forum poster.

11 hours ago, Pib said:

 

Based on news media reports over the past few months talking DOGE activities/impacts, such as causing delays in contract awards which support govt operations/activities,  quite a few govt employees/govt contractors losing their jobs, a backlog of workload, etc., I expect the DOGE turmoil has caused this 7162 mailing delay.  SSA operations have definitely been impacted....hopefully the SSA and other govt agencies will be able to get back on the rails over the coming year. 

 

16 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

Just where does this "International Operations" reside and what is their phone number?

 

Baltimore, MD

 

https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/

 

Contact Us by Phone
You may also contact us by phone if you speak English.  You can call our office  
410-965-0160.  You will need to pay for the call because we do not currently have a toll-free service for calls from outside the U.S.  If you call, please do so between 9:00am and 4:00pm Eastern U.S time. 

The phone number is 410-965-0160 they are available 6am to 9pm ET.   I was on hold for a little over 10 minutes before the agent was able to assist.

In addition to the form being mailed next week I asked about if it was possible to complete the form over the phone or if that was an option.  I was advised it is not an option that service is for someone who’s benefits have been suspended not for someone who does not want to mail the form back.

i was also able to update my address with the agent without having to send an email to Manila and hope they respond.  All in all a very nice call

 

3 hours ago, jimmyjam12 said:

The phone number is 410-965-0160 they are available 6am to 9pm ET.   I was on hold for a little over 10 minutes before the agent was able to assist.

In addition to the form being mailed next week I asked about if it was possible to complete the form over the phone or if that was an option.  I was advised it is not an option that service is for someone who’s benefits have been suspended not for someone who does not want to mail the form back.

i was also able to update my address with the agent without having to send an email to Manila and hope they respond.  All in all a very nice call

 

How absolutely refreshing AND helpful.  Thank you!

What would happen if you called the office, clearly identified yourself and then told them yes I sometimes feel dead but not always.

22 hours ago, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week

Thanks a lot, Jimmy. 🙏 This is exactly what I needed to hear. Now, I can sit back and relax. 

On 7/7/2025 at 8:34 PM, jimmyjam12 said:

I called Ss international operations today the form 7162 will be mailed next week 

 

relax not a conspiracy not a war against expats smoke a joint drink some Johnny walker not it off 

 

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.  😜😀

 

   

 

 

The check is in the mail and I won't rum in your couch SSA style!

The following is the reply I received from FBU Manila after inquiring about SSA Form 7162 for 2025:

===================================================================================

 

 

fbu.manila(at)ssa.gov 

From:fbu.manila(at)ssa.gov

To:

 

Mon, Jul 14 at 3:32 PM

*****************************************

*****************************************Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

 

The mailing of the Annual Report Forms (SSA-7162 and SSA-7161) for the year 2025 is delayed. We encourage that you regularly visit Service Around the World - Office of Earnings & International Operations for any announcements and updates regarding the annual reporting requirement.

JFF
*****

12 hours ago, Migz said:

The following is the reply I received from FBU Manila after inquiring about SSA Form 7162 for 2025:

===================================================================================

 

 

fbu.manila(at)ssa.gov 

From:fbu.manila(at)ssa.gov

To:

 

Mon, Jul 14 at 3:32 PM

*****************************************

*****************************************Thank you for contacting the Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

 

The mailing of the Annual Report Forms (SSA-7162 and SSA-7161) for the year 2025 is delayed. We encourage that you regularly visit Service Around the World - Office of Earnings & International Operations for any announcements and updates regarding the annual reporting requirement.

JFF
*****

Thanks for taking the time to share this official info here - well-appreciated!

1 hour ago, MamaSan said:

Thanks for taking the time to share this official info here - well-appreciated!

That site actually has no information at all 

 

Nothing about 2025 7162 form, and just a link to find out your regional office, unfortunately for Manila, that surely has better things to do than answer stupid queries from paranoid expats.

 

REPEAT ... just download the 7162 and mail in.  How that is so hard for y'all is simply amazing.

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That site actually has no information at all 

 

Nothing about 2025 7162 form, and just a link to find out your regional office, unfortunately for Manila, that surely has better things to do than answer stupid queries from paranoid expats.

 

REPEAT ... just download the 7162 and mail in.  How that is so hard for y'all is simply amazing.

I'm beginning to wonder if the SSA will take the Covid Pandemic route and later on this year simply state that the 7126 won't be needed this year.  

I photocopy the forms each year, so if push comes to shove I'll just fill out and mail in a couple of these previous year's forms with the date updated.  No big deal.

18 minutes ago, connda said:

I'm beginning to wonder if the SSA will take the Covid Pandemic route and later on this year simply state that the 7126 won't be needed this year.  

I photocopy the forms each year, so if push comes to shove I'll just fill out and mail in a couple of these previous year's forms with the date updated.  No big deal.

Really is hard to believe this thread is 5 pages long.  Does make you wonder how some managed to get this old and even move to TH 

 

Definitely understand why so many use agents to hold their hands here, if a simple 7162 form throws them into a tailspin 

Just go to Google search and type in something like "SSA in disarray" or "SSA firings", etc.  The results list should explain why the 7162 mailing is delayed this year.

 

 

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Just go to Google search and type in something like "SSA in disarray" or "SSA firings", etc.  The results list should explain why the 7162 mailing is delayed this year.

 

I agree. This shouldn't surprise anyone that the move to gut Federal agencies is having an effect on the operations of those agencies, the SSA being no different.  Really don't understand the redundancy of the 7126 forms.  All of this COULD be done online.  The tech for digital signatures has been around for a few decades now.  Fill out the form online, digitally sign it, and Bob's your uncle.