I'm going to go ahead and pin a one-stop-information thread regarding the upcoming mail out of the annual Social Security Administration Form 7162 for 2026. We can also use this as a place to discuss other matters related to general US Social Security questions and topics of 2026.

If you have any information regarding US Social Security that is handled through the SSA Office in Manila and updates on the annual mailing of the SSA Form 7162 for 2026, we can consolidate those discussions here. If you have questions regarding Social Security as it applies to US expates living in Thailand or Southeast Asia, you can post them here and we can collectively assist each other.

Discussions regarding 2025 can be found here:
https://aseannow.com/topic/1362688-2025-ssa-form-7162-hello-are-you-dead-yet-forms/

Form SSA-7126 (often called the "Show to Life" or annual proof-of-life/report form) is an annual notice sent by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to certain beneficiaries, primarily those living abroad, to verify they are still alive and eligible for continued benefits.

It helps confirm details like your address, citizenship/residency status, and any changes that could affect payments. Failure to return it (typically within 60 days) can result in suspension of benefits, similar to the more commonly referenced Form SSA-7162 (the official "Report to the United States Social Security Administration" proof-of-life form used for foreign residents).

Mailing Schedule for 2026

Initial mailings are typically sent in June.

Follow-up notices (for non-responders) are often sent in October.

Timing can vary slightly by recipient (e.g., based on location or SSA processing), and some people report not receiving the first notice and only getting a follow-up. Delays in mail delivery are common, especially for international addresses. In expat communities (e.g., in the Philippines or Thailand), beneficiaries frequently discuss these forms around mid-to-late year.

What to Do If You Receive It

Complete and return it promptly using the enclosed envelope (usually to a Wilkes-Barre, PA address).

Report any address changes or other relevant info.

Some submit via mail to SSA offices, embassies/consulates, or (where allowed) online/My Social Security account uploads.

If You Haven't Received It (as of June 2026)

Check your mail regularly, especially if you're abroad or have a PO box.

Log into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov to verify your address, view notices, or request a replacement.

Contact SSA directly (via phone, local office, or international channels) if needed—delays or non-receipt don't automatically stop payments but can create issues later.

This process is part of SSA's efforts to prevent fraud and ensure accurate benefit distribution. For the most official details, check ssa.gov or contact SSA, as exact procedures can depend on your situation (e.g., U.S. vs. foreign residence). If you're in Singapore or elsewhere, international mail timing may add extra weeks.

Primary Contact: SSA Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) – Manila

• Email (most efficient/recommended): [email protected]
  (Responses typically within 10–15 business days. Include your SSN, DOB, and relevant details when inquiring.)

  ph.usembassy.gov

• Phone: +63-2-5301-6200
  Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM Manila Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays only (except U.S. and Philippine holidays).

  ph.usembassy.gov

• Fax: +632-8708-9714 (or +632-8708-9723)

  ph.usembassy.gov

• Mailing Address:
  Social Security Administration
  U.S. Embassy – Manila
  1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita
  Manila, Philippines 0930

  ph.usembassy.gov

In-person appointments (Mon/Fri mornings): By appointment only—no walk-ins. Email [email protected] with subject “Appointment Request” including your name, purpose, and contact number. Expect a response within ~15 business days.

ph.usembassy.gov

Did anybody go to the Social Security Admin get togethers last week in Bangkok and Pattaya?

If so, what is the latest on Form 7162?

Last year, SSA provided service for an over the phone attestation. I know I used as did several others on this forum. I see now the link is dead. Frankly I would prefer to phone it in again this year.

18 hours ago, John Drake said:

Last year, SSA provided service for an over the phone attestation. I know I used as did several others on this forum. I see now the link is dead. Frankly I would prefer to phone it in again this year.

Yep, I called it in last year. The person who answered was polite, friendly, and had something like 3 questions for me.

It was something like 20 minutes start (waiting time included) to finish.

It's called the International OEIO HQ SSA
Tel: 410 965 0160

Also, I wonder if anyone has received this year's 7162 already.

On 5/5/2026 at 7:23 PM, Base32 said:

Form SSA-7126 (often called the "Show to Life" or annual proof-of-life/report form) is an annual notice sent by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to certain beneficiaries, primarily those living abroad, to verify they are still alive and eligible for continued benefits.

It helps confirm details like your address, citizenship/residency status, and any changes that could affect payments. Failure to return it (typically within 60 days) can result in suspension of benefits, similar to the more commonly referenced Form SSA-7162 (the official "Report to the United States Social Security Administration" proof-of-life form used for foreign residents).

Mailing Schedule for 2026

Initial mailings are typically sent in June.

Follow-up notices (for non-responders) are often sent in October.

Timing can vary slightly by recipient (e.g., based on location or SSA processing), and some people report not receiving the first notice and only getting a follow-up. Delays in mail delivery are common, especially for international addresses. In expat communities (e.g., in the Philippines or Thailand), beneficiaries frequently discuss these forms around mid-to-late year.

What to Do If You Receive It

Complete and return it promptly using the enclosed envelope (usually to a Wilkes-Barre, PA address).

Report any address changes or other relevant info.

Some submit via mail to SSA offices, embassies/consulates, or (where allowed) online/My Social Security account uploads.

If You Haven't Received It (as of June 2026)

Check your mail regularly, especially if you're abroad or have a PO box.

Log into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov to verify your address, view notices, or request a replacement.

Contact SSA directly (via phone, local office, or international channels) if needed—delays or non-receipt don't automatically stop payments but can create issues later.

This process is part of SSA's efforts to prevent fraud and ensure accurate benefit distribution. For the most official details, check ssa.gov or contact SSA, as exact procedures can depend on your situation (e.g., U.S. vs. foreign residence). If you're in Singapore or elsewhere, international mail timing may add extra weeks.

For the years 2022, 2023 & 2024 the 7162 dates on the forms were indeed in June. Last year the 7162 date was July 31 and we received ours Aug 8....

On 5/21/2026 at 9:57 AM, Galong said:

Yep, I called it in last year. The person who answered was polite, friendly, and had something like 3 questions for me.

It was something like 20 minutes start (waiting time included) to finish.

It's called the International OEIO HQ SSA
Tel: 410 965 0160

Also, I wonder if anyone has received this year's 7162 already.

Started receiving SS last year. This is my plan when/if I receive the 7162. Thankfully google voice provides free calls to the US. Any idea what the working hours are?

4 hours ago, gargamon said:

Started receiving SS last year. This is my plan when/if I receive the 7162. Thankfully google voice provides free calls to the US. Any idea what the working hours are?

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern U.S. Time, Monday through Friday.

If you are calling from Thailand, that translates to 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. local time (or 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. during U.S. Daylight Saving Time).

Note: The SSA also has a toll-free international number (1-855-522-6936) that has slightly longer hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

On 5/22/2026 at 1:08 PM, Galong said:

Note: The SSA also has a toll-free international number (1-855-522-6936) that has slightly longer hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Last year, when I was calling to attest to my 7162, I used the toll free number. After holding for about 20 minutes they answered and told me I would need to call the 410 number.

On 5/24/2026 at 2:27 PM, John Drake said:

Last year, when I was calling to attest to my 7162, I used the toll free number. After holding for about 20 minutes they answered and told me I would need to call the 410 number.

I (personally) don't usually try toll-free numbers. I called the 410 number. The wait was very short.

BTW, I use Viber Out and pay $1.99/month for unlimited calls to the US.

15 hours ago, Galong said:

I (personally) don't usually try toll-free numbers. I called the 410 number. The wait was very short.

BTW, I use Viber Out and pay $1.99/month for unlimited calls to the US.

I use Freetone for a US telephone number for my bank and retirement account back in the US. It's 325 baht/month.

So, as it stands now, all I have to do is wait for the form 7126 and hope it makes it sometime in June or soon thereafter. I received the form last year but the previous year it never arrived at my Thai mailing address. I made copies of the form I had received previously and used that and attached a short letter of explanation. It seemed to have worked. If I end up having to call, I think I'll use the 401 number.

Last year 2025 was a terrible mess with the forms being late and much confusion due to Musk melons firing staff and otherwise wreaking havoc with the system. I used attestion with a MagicJack and sent in the late form both. I think a MagicJack is about $100 for five years after buying the dongle. Hopefully, SS will be back on top of it this year. It's already Hell getting old without having to deal with a dysfunctional SS.

5 hours ago, cusanus said:

It's already Hell getting old without having to deal with a dysfunctional SS.

This, FBAR, and filing taxes are all stressful. This, when you look at the reality of what happens when you die in Thailand, is a waste of time.

Here is the biting reality of why Form 7162 is completely useless at doing its actual job:

• The Huge Security Loophole: If you mail the form in July and drop dead in August, for example, the SSA proudly checks their box and will happily keep pumping money into your account for the next 11 months, completely oblivious to reality.

• The Delayed Reality Check: The form only proves you were breathing on one specific day of the year. It does absolutely nothing to prevent months of wrongful payouts if you pass away the following week.

• The Real Informant: In reality, local authorities and the US Embassy will flag a death and trigger a freeze way faster than a once-a-year piece of paper ever could.

The system forces you to waste time and money on a ritual that doesn't even protect the funds, while the actual embassy reporting system does all the heavy lifting anyway. It’s pure bureaucratic theater. 🤷🤦‍♂️

5 hours ago, Galong said:

This, FBAR, and filing taxes are all stressful. This, when you look at the reality of what happens when you die in Thailand, is a waste of time.

Here is the biting reality of why Form 7162 is completely useless at doing its actual job:

• The Huge Security Loophole: If you mail the form in July and drop dead in August, for example, the SSA proudly checks their box and will happily keep pumping money into your account for the next 11 months, completely oblivious to reality.

• The Delayed Reality Check: The form only proves you were breathing on one specific day of the year. It does absolutely nothing to prevent months of wrongful payouts if you pass away the following week.

• The Real Informant: In reality, local authorities and the US Embassy will flag a death and trigger a freeze way faster than a once-a-year piece of paper ever could.

The system forces you to waste time and money on a ritual that doesn't even protect the funds, while the actual embassy reporting system does all the heavy lifting anyway. It’s pure bureaucratic theater. 🤷🤦‍♂️

Think how easy it would be to complete a Form 7162 if we could just go to the My Social Security website and tick a few boxes. No provision for that. And no provision for those of us living outside the US to upload documents or change address/telephone number without contacting Manila or the phone lines. In the case of the latter, things have actually become worse. It used to be you could change your contact information on the website. Not any longer. I don't understand.

On 6/9/2026 at 5:32 PM, John Drake said:

Think how easy it would be to complete a Form 7162 if we could just go to the My Social Security website and tick a few boxes. No provision for that. And no provision for those of us living outside the US to upload documents or change address/telephone number without contacting Manila or the phone lines. In the case of the latter, things have actually become worse. It used to be you could change your contact information on the website. Not any longer. I don't understand.

I wasn't able to get a My Social Security account. Can't remember exactly why, but I didn't have the right info. I've been here 21 years now, didn't have SS then in the states.

48 minutes ago, cusanus said:

I wasn't able to get a My Social Security account. Can't remember exactly why, but I didn't have the right info. I've been here 21 years now, didn't have SS then in the states...
Just retried. I get the link to take photo of passport but it says "camera disabled" which it is not, so I can't finish the account. ID.me doesn't work for me either. My wife's phone says the same. My Android version is still 5 and I can't update. I could try someone else's phone tomorrow.

I'm not sure if the following is still true in case we don't receive the the form in the mail:

1 hour ago, Migz said:

I'm not sure if the following is still true in case we don't receive the the form in the mail:

Those mail restrictions were lifted not long after.

On 6/18/2026 at 9:49 PM, cusanus said:

On 6/18/2026 at 8:59 PM, cusanus said:

I wasn't able to get a My Social Security account. I get the link to take photo of passport but it says "camera disabled" which it is not, so I can't finish the account. ID.me doesn't work for me either. My wife's phone says the same. My Android version is still 5 and I can't update. I could try someone else's phone tomorrow.

After installing Firefox SSA allowed my camera for a photo of my passport and my face. Funny, though, I was using Chrome. Go figure. Then it asks for a US phone number to receive a code. Hey, I haven't lived in the US for 21 years, so there are no public records for my phone. I do have a MagicJack with Montana number, but they don't accept that. SO, it appears there is no way to finish verification for a SSA account. Anyone have a solution for that?

Well, it's about that time again. Has anyone had their SSA 7126 show up yet. I'm planning on checking the mail today just in case.

I'll probably be mailing mine in this week, which would be the one I got last year, after I mailed in a couple copies of the one I got the year before.

I'm just waiting for the 1st of July, when I get to read all of the panic posts .... 'haven't gotten it yet, will they stop my deposits ??? '

Almost feel sorry for Manila ... "email received, we'll answer as soon as possible, as flooded with inquiries about form 7162"

I checked the PO box this afternoon, so as of June 23 I have not received mine yet.

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I'll probably be mailing mine in this week, which would be the one I got last year, after I mailed in a couple copies of the one I got the year before.

I'm just waiting for the 1st of July, when I get to read all of the panic posts .... 'haven't gotten it yet, will they stop my deposits ??? '

Almost feel sorry for Manila ... "email received, we'll answer as soon as possible, as flooded with inquiries about form 7162"

It shows up when it shows up. If it doesn't show up by the end of July, I'll mail in the scanned copy I have one hand. My guess is that they'll be late like last year.

The SSA Earnings & International Operations notice regarding Form 7161 and 7162 has no information this year. I wonder why that is.

Notice Regarding Forms SSA-7161 and SSA-7162

Instruction for Form SSA-7161

Instruction for Form SSA-7162

Apparently, the delay seems real.... again. The Manila FBU and the U.S. Embassy have confirmed there is a delay in this year's mailing, but I haven't found any official source giving a new mailing date. There is a "late August" rumor going around, probably based on how things went down last year, rather than something that the SSA has published. Personally, I'll just wait and see if the festering heals and something concrete comes to fruition. At some point, I'll likely call and do the attestation again.

As there is a Bar code page 2 and a QR page 1 & 2 2025 version, I don't know that sending an 2025 form is even looked at upon receipt Wilkes-Barre.

On 6/25/2026 at 8:54 AM, Galong said:

Apparently, the delay seems real.... again. The Manila FBU and the U.S. Embassy have confirmed there is a delay in this year's mailing, but I haven't found any official source giving a new mailing date. There is a "late August" rumor going around, probably based on how things went down last year, rather than something that the SSA has published. Personally, I'll just wait and see if the festering heals and something concrete comes to fruition. At some point, I'll likely call and do the attestation again.

There was never any SSA advice on the late form last year or when or if it could be expected. So do we know that the attestation method is still an option this year? Has anybody tried it? Let us know.

Edited Friday at 02:35 AM5 days by cusanus

Check the PO Box yesterday, July 2nd. No SSA-7162 as of yet.

On 6/27/2026 at 10:13 AM, JerryM said:

As there is a Bar code page 2 and a QR page 1 & 2 2025 version, I don't know that sending an 2025 form is even looked at upon receipt Wilkes-Barre.

I'd assume the bar code is just a way to personally identify you. Or not. If October rolls around and the form doesn't show up, I'll fire off the scanned copy I have from last year anyway.