For Americans with Social Security Questions

[sqwakvfr]

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday, July 22nd from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Conference Room "Hor Prawat", Sirindhorn Learning Resource Center, Floor 4, Payap University.

No appointment is required. However, we encourage you to arrive early as we anticipate having to turn away some late-arriving customers if they exceed our service capacity.

For more details, please visit https://th.usembassy.gov/.../federal.../social-security/.

[ricklev]

 

8 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday, July 22nd from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Conference Room "Hor Prawat", Sirindhorn Learning Resource Center, Floor 4, Payap University.

No appointment is required. However, we encourage you to arrive early as we anticipate having to turn away some late-arriving customers if they exceed our service capacity.

For more details, please visit https://th.usembassy.gov/.../federal.../social-security/.

Maybe they should get a bigger venue then and extend the service hours!  FFS!

[sqwakvfr]

1 minute ago, ricklev said:

 

Maybe they should get a bigger venue then!  FFS!

Yup.  The liine of people waiting in the morning could be long.  Ironically I am scheduled for "my call" with SSA FBU on July 21.  Of course this is 5 months after i applied for retiremne at 62.  Heck I might just show up and see what they can or cannot do.  If you read further on the link it does state "accept applications".  This is might take some time.  Also, a location in the city might be a littel easier for most of us who live in CNX but it's the consualte after all. 

[atpeace]

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

[sqwakvfr]

7 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Yup.  The liine of people waiting in the morning could be long.  Ironically I am scheduled for "my call" with SSA FBU on July 21.  Of course this is 5 months after i applied for retiremne at 62.  Heck I might just show up and see what they can or cannot do.  If you read further on the link it does state "accept applications".  This is might take some time.  Also, a location in the city might be a littel easier for most of us who live in CNX but it's the consualte after all. 

I dont need it. I have a state pension and other income but at 62 I do not take it for granted that I will see 70 or beyond. I am in good health but knew people who were in better health who never saw their 60th birthday.  I would rather take what I am enttiled to now than nothing later. Just my point of view and others will see it differenlty. 

[gamb00ler]

16 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

SSA is never forced on anyone.  If you never apply they will never bother you.

 

Perhaps you're referring to the increase offered through Delayed Retirement Credits.  For each year you delay collecting benefits after reaching FRA (Full Retirement Age) you will get an extra 8% added to your benefits.  You FRA is 67, assuming you're 63 now.  You would get 100% at 67, 108% at 68, etc.  You will get max benefits if you wait until age 70.

 

Many experts say if you don't need the benefits now, then wait until you do or age 70.  Due to aging and health decline it is better to have higher benefits when you're older.

[TheAppletons]

56 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

 

  The "break even" point for most people is somewhere around 80 years of age (give or take 1-2 years.)

 

  To oversimplify, if you expect to live beyond 80, you'd receive more in SS payments over the course of your lifetime if you wait until 70 to collect (because the checks are larger than if you collect earlier.)

 

  Conversely, if you don't expect to live until 80, you'd receive more in SS payments of the course of your lifetime by taking it early (because you receive more checks albeit of a smaller amount.)

 

https://www.aarp.org/social-security/faq/break-even-age/

 

  

[flexomike]

1 hour ago, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

If you don't need it wait and get more, if you drop dead before you start collecting at an older age, you beneficiary, will still get $250.00. Because of health reasons a lot of people start collecting at 62, I waited until I was almost 66. No regrets for not waiting longer.

[gamb00ler]

On 7/15/2025 at 10:45 AM, sqwakvfr said:

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday, July 22nd from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM

July 22 is a Tuesday.... is the meeting Tuesday 7/22 or Thursday 7/24?

[KhunLA]

17 minutes ago, gamb00ler said:

July 22 is a Tuesday.... is the meeting Tuesday 7/22 or Thursday 7/24?

 

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/social-security/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcTNibFc1eFJCWWk2TGxrSQEeUQT-fhK1fFLu13281W1EYamZbEWsZqkPXwt2f0fRU6AFxAvoRIL0cQ_VTcM_aem_ZH3yy_6dHG2Dbrhtgjd4UA

[sqwakvfr]

11 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/federal-benefits/social-security/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcTNibFc1eFJCWWk2TGxrSQEeUQT-fhK1fFLu13281W1EYamZbEWsZqkPXwt2f0fRU6AFxAvoRIL0cQ_VTcM_aem_ZH3yy_6dHG2Dbrhtgjd4UA

24th is in BKK.

[gargamon]

On 7/15/2025 at 12:36 PM, gamb00ler said:

SSA is never forced on anyone.  If you never apply they will never bother you.

 

Perhaps you're referring to the increase offered through Delayed Retirement Credits.  For each year you delay collecting benefits after reaching FRA (Full Retirement Age) you will get an extra 8% added to your benefits.  You FRA is 67, assuming you're 63 now.  You would get 100% at 67, 108% at 68, etc.  You will get max benefits if you wait until age 70.

 

Many experts say if you don't need the benefits now, then wait until you do or age 70.  Due to aging and health decline it is better to have higher benefits when you're older.

I'm waiting until I'm 70. Don't need the money so what's the point in getting it now.

 

Live like you're going to die tomorrow. Plan like you're going to live forever.

[Berkshire]

On 7/15/2025 at 10:45 AM, sqwakvfr said:

The Social Security Administration's Federal Benefits Unit (SSA/FBU) will provide services on Thursday, July 22nd from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Conference Room "Hor Prawat", Sirindhorn Learning Resource Center, Floor 4, Payap University.

No appointment is required. However, we encourage you to arrive early as we anticipate having to turn away some late-arriving customers if they exceed our service capacity.

For more details, please visit https://th.usembassy.gov/.../federal.../social-security/.

So how did this event go?  Was there a big turnout?  Did everyone receive the services they were promised?

[sqwakvfr]

1 hour ago, Berkshire said:

So how did this event go?  Was there a big turnout?  Did everyone receive the services they were promised?

Did not go.  Had my phone call with FBU Manila the day before so my question was kind of answered by the rep from FBU. 

[Berkshire]

15 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

1 hour ago, Berkshire said:

So how did this event go?  Was there a big turnout?  Did everyone receive the services they were promised?

Did not go.  Had my phone call with FBU Manila the day before so my question was kind of answered by the rep from FBU. 

Noted.  Perhaps someone who did attend can share with us how it all went.

[SamSanuk]

I didn’t go, simply because I’m currently getting SS and have no problems. So far. 
 

If I do have one gripe, it’s hard for me to take advantage of the online services, because I tried my password to no avail. To get a new password, I need an American phone number, which I no longer have. 
 

So outside of the  dreaded “I’m still Alive” letter of confirmation, I pray to the financial Gods to keep the moolah coming. 

[Tedly]

On 7/24/2025 at 5:16 AM, SamSanuk said:

I didn’t go, simply because I’m currently getting SS and have no problems. So far. 
 

If I do have one gripe, it’s hard for me to take advantage of the online services, because I tried my password to no avail. To get a new password, I need an American phone number, which I no longer have. 
 

So outside of the  dreaded “I’m still Alive” letter of confirmation, I pray to the financial Gods to keep the moolah coming. 

I'm in that situation too, I can't get into the website with the new system to log in. I still have an American phone number but my American driver's license which they need a photo of to register with the new system, is expired so that won't work, can't use a passport. Every document they call for are ones I can't produce, it's frustrating, just have to hope I never need to get on the website. I didn't get the "are you still alive" letter yet this year which has me a little concerned as I'm sure I was getting them in June until this year.

[flexomike]

1 hour ago, Tedly said:

I'm in that situation too, I can't get into the website with the new system to log in. I still have an American phone number but my American driveron's license which they need a photo of to register with the new system, is expired so that won't work, can't use a passport. Every document they call for are ones I can't produce, it's frustrating, just have to hope I never need to get on the website. I didn't get the "are you still alive" letter yet this year which has me a little concerned as I'm sure I was getting them in June until this year.

I got into the website by using login.gov. they give you some codes that are one time usage, you get ten codes and when they are used up you will receive another ten. It was the only option that would work for me as I don't have any US phone numbers and my license is also expired

[flexomike]

did anyone attending get any feedback on when we wll receive are 7162 forms. As of today I have not heard of anyone receiving one.

[donmuang37]

On 7/15/2025 at 11:02 AM, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

If at all possible, avoid taking Social Security early, if you are in good health.  I waited to take it at full retirement age (65 in my case) and now I wished I had waited until age 70.  I'm 88 and you don't know how long you will live, but you do know inflation will creep up on you.  Fortunately for me, I also have a military retirement, so we are quite comfortable.

[atpeace]

12 minutes ago, donmuang37 said:

If at all possible, avoid taking Social Security early, if you are in good health.  I waited to take it at full retirement age (65 in my case) and now I wished I had waited until age 70.  I'm 88 and you don't know how long you will live, but you do know inflation will creep up on you.  Fortunately for me, I also have a military retirement, so we are quite comfortable.

Nice to be secure so you can make those last years golden! I'm going to wait as late as I can which I assume will be in 12 years when I reach 70.  I wonder if they might increase the eligible ages before I reach 70 but doubt it.  

 

How is life here at 88?  Haven't got the opportunity to talk with any of the 80+ retirees here in Thailand.  How is the healthcare system here in your opinion and does your military health coverage cover you here?

[KhunLA]

On 7/15/2025 at 11:02 AM, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

How long do you plan on living ?

 

How's the gene pool, age of parents, if & when passing ?   Any health issues now.  

[rwill]

On 7/15/2025 at 11:02 AM, atpeace said:

Off topic but is there any benefit of taking social security until it is forced on you at 69 I think?  Assuming you don't need it.  At 69 it would be greater than my monthly budget now and seems to be  a good safety net if all else went to hell.  2/3 of the benefit at 63 is tempting though...

Pretty simple to figure out.  If you have got the figures from them for retirement at 62 and retirement at full amount age.  Take the 62 year figure and multiply it by the total months until full retirement age.  Then divide that amount by the full amount figure minus your lower amount to see how many months(years) it would take you to recoup all the money you lost by not taking the earlier amount.

 

In my case I figured there was a good chance I would be dead by the time I made up the difference by waiting for the full amount.

 

Also if you don't need the money now you could invest it in the meantime to make even more money or set it aside as an emergency fund.

 

For example using the ages you provided and say the amount at 69 is $2000/month.  That would make the 63 year amount about $1,334.  So $1,334 over 6 years you would receive a total of $96,048.  Divide that by the difference of what you would receive, $666.  Which means it would take you over 12 years to make back the money you would have got by starting earlier.  And that does not factor in annual raises to the amount over those years either.

 

Plus the money will be worth less the longer you wait to get it.

[atpeace]

3 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

How long do you plan on living ?

 

How's the gene pool, age of parents, if & when passing ?   Any health issues now.  

Good points but for me it isn't a concern about getting the most money from SS.  My parent are still both alive and in their mid 80s but just starting to have many issues.  Went from all great to surgery after surgery it seem the last 2 years.  They have always been active and skinny the last few decades.  I'm healthier than they were at my age but doubt it means I will live longer.

 

I retired here at 42 and should be able to live here comfortably well past 70(12 years from now) without any SS. Bad things can happen though and a roughly $2,500 SS check would give me a decent safety net.  

 

 

[atpeace]

21 minutes ago, rwill said:

Pretty simple to figure out.  If you have got the figures from them for retirement at 62 and retirement at full amount age.  Take the 62 year figure and multiply it by the total months until full retirement age.  Then divide that amount by the full amount figure minus your lower amount to see how many months(years) it would take you to recoup all the money you lost by not taking the earlier amount.

 

In my case I figured there was a good chance I would be dead by the time I made up the difference by waiting for the full amount.

 

Also if you don't need the money now you could invest it in the meantime to make even more money or set it aside as an emergency fund.

 

For example using the ages you provided and say the amount at 69 is $2000/month.  That would make the 63 year amount about $1,334.  So $1,334 over 6 years you would receive a total of $96,048.  Divide that by the difference of what you would receive, $666.  Which means it would take you over 12 years to make back the money you would have got by starting earlier.  And that does not factor in annual raises to the amount over those years either.

 

Plus the money will be worth less the longer you wait to get it.

Reinvesting the proceeds I would get at 63 hadn't crossed my mind.  I'll look into that and do the calculations.  I think your last sentence is incorrect but could be wrong.  SS is adjusted for  inflation for every year after the first year of eligibility.

[KhunLA]

36 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Good points but for me it isn't a concern about getting the most money from SS.  My parent are still both alive and in their mid 80s but just starting to have many issues.  Went from all great to surgery after surgery it seem the last 2 years.  They have always been active and skinny the last few decades.  I'm healthier than they were at my age but doubt it means I will live longer.

 

I retired here at 42 and should be able to live here comfortably well past 70(12 years from now) without any SS. Bad things can happen though and a roughly $2,500 SS check would give me a decent safety net. 

Then why not take at your SS retirement age (67), or even earlier, especially since you really don't need it.  It's your money, you & employer paid for it.

 

My mother made to 74, I'm 70, but much healthier than both (father 69), as stone alkys & chain smoker, along with rest of their siblings dying even younger, lung & liver cancers.  Have older brothers, 77 & 73, still kickin'.  We're all fairly healthy, but don't abuse our bodies.

 

I took my company pension early, and can actually live on that pitiful amount.   If live past 75, then that was a bad decision, but I really don't care, as would need to live past 80 to add up to much.   Which, don't need anyway, and wife can't access when I crap out.

 

We have our finances set up, that we banked all of my SS last year, and will probably bank 11 months of SS this year.   Inflation and our spending increasing, and we'll probably only bank half of SS next year.  Unless we make a frivolous purchase 

 

It just goes into wife's investment / retirement fund, along with available as my 'oops' fund.  It's a nice place to be, financially, very fortunate, but hey, we worked hard for it, sort of.  Could crap out today, who knows 

 

Take it, spend it, save it, or somewhere in between, and enjoy yourself.

[Tedly]

4 hours ago, flexomike said:

I got into the website by using login.gov. they give you some codes that are one time usage, you get ten codes and when they are used up you will receive another ten. It was the only option that would work for me as I don't have any US phone numbers and my license is also expired

   I did that once and still have the codes, but when I tried again it said that I needed to confirm my identity with IDme, which is where I ran into the problems registering with that.

[atpeace]

35 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Then why not take at your SS retirement age (67), or even earlier, especially since you really don't need it.  It's your money, you & employer paid for it.

 

 

Not doing a good job at explaining myself 🙂 I get it is my money.  If I don't need it, then why take it?  I'm not trying to die with  more money and I simply strive to live a good life today.  Having the extra money would add no value at 63 or 67.  Knowing if something went wrong but I still had a $2,500 check vs $1,500 (63 yo benefit) does add value.  

 

In the end it doesn't make much difference either way but think I will just take it as late as possible since it would just be put into savings/investments anyhow...

[KhunLA]

11 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Not doing a good job at explaining myself 🙂 I get it is my money.  If I don't need it, then why take it?  I'm not trying to die with  more money and I simply strive to live a good life today.  Having the extra money would add no value at 63 or 67.  Knowing if something went wrong but I still had a $2,500 check vs $1,500 (63 yo benefit) does add value.  

 

In the end it doesn't make much difference either way but think I will just take it as late as possible since it would just be put into savings/investments anyhow...

Then give it away to a cause you believe in.   The other choice, is to let the govt continue to waste it, on pork spending that only benefit them.

 

Give it to an orphanage, or a hospital that specializes in children's care.   I used to give any extra money to Philly Children's Hosp, or St Jude's / McDonald House in Memphis, both geared to the treatment of children with cancer.   

 

When living in Udon, there was 2 charities, an girl's orphanage & a disabilities charity, and gave a wee bit to them.  Though short lived, for different reason, plus I left the area.   

 

Using for my own daughter instead, and her future.  Priorities 🙄

[atpeace]

25 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Then give it away to a cause you believe in.   The other choice, is to let the govt continue to waste it, on pork spending that only benefit them.

 

Give it to an orphanage, or a hospital that specializes in children's care.   I used to give any extra money to Philly Children's Hosp, or St Jude's / McDonald House in Memphis, both geared to the treatment of children with cancer.   

 

When living in Udon, there was 2 charities, an girl's orphanage & a disabilities charity, and gave a wee bit to them.  Though short lived, for different reason, plus I left the area.   

 

Using for my own daughter instead, and her future.  Priorities 🙄

No children but get why you care.  I just want to enjoy life and always have the money to do so.  I've setup my life since my twenties to need little to be happy.  Sure, I've done some stupid things along the way but mostly stayed the course.  It gets easier I think after 50 or at least it did for me.  I know what makes me happy and not always looking for the next fix.

 

If the government wants to waste it then so be it.  I'm also of the belief that the government isn't all that bad in America 🙂