3 hours ago, ricklev said:

Seems like I recall there is an issue sending it registered because it is going to a PO box?

Social Security Administration
Data Operations Center
Attn: SSA-7162 Process
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-7162
U.S.A

15 hours ago, Autocan said:

But why risk that route?

Because the risk that one of the two 7162 envelopes in a single EMS/FedEx packet will get lost seems on the same order of magnitude that it will get lost if mailed.

However ... the risk that ordinary mail will get lost seems much higher than the risk of EMS/FedEx getting lost, so many people, including me, pop for the 1-1.5K baht for that.

34 minutes ago, retiree said:

Because the risk that one of the two 7162 envelopes in a single EMS/FedEx packet will get lost seems on the same order of magnitude that it will get lost if mailed.

However ... the risk that ordinary mail will get lost seems much higher than the risk of EMS/FedEx getting lost, so many people, including me, pop for the 1-1.5K baht for that.

Actually both have about he same risk of getting lost. I send 2 via snail mail, about a week apart. Depending on location, do you really think FE, UPS or DHL are operating their own fleet here in TH.

Working for the airlines, and truck driving for air freight forwarders in USA, you be suprised what is subcontracted to USPS in USA, for private forwarders, and how a lot of 'air freight' goes by truck.

Couple of my regular special runs were from Philly to FL, via truck, but they were charged high air freight charges.

Same with the old 'air mail' charge, as usually anything going USPS over 500 miles, goes 'air mail', so no need to pay extra. And if not served by an air carrier, yea, it went by truck.

My daily truck run was PHL-MDT-PHL, via truck, as air freight charges, and I was full up, everyday. Subbed for CF Air Freight, I'd leave the depot about 0800-0830, and still be able to have deliveries made before 12 pm / express service. Then bring back a full truck later that night.

8 hours ago, flexomike said:

Has anyone South of Bangkok received their forms yet. I am in Rayong and don't know of anyone who has received theirs

I got mine 3 days ago in Klaeng. A few years ago, told the postman any mail from the US is worth 100 Baht, he turns it down, but I insist, well worth it to me.

3 hours ago, retiree said:

However ... the risk that ordinary mail will get lost seems much higher than the risk of EMS/FedEx getting lost, so many people, including me, pop for the 1-1.5K baht for that.

Why ordinary? Send it registered. I did that last couple of times from a local PO here in Bkk for about 400b. Got tracking updates all the way till it was signed for in the US.

Zero chance of loss, 100% peace of mind.

30 minutes ago, Autocan said:

Why ordinary? Send it registered. I did that last couple of times from a local PO here in Bkk for about 400b. Got tracking updates all the way till it was signed for in the US.

Zero chance of loss, 100% peace of mind.

Added: Express/EMS jacks the cost up to 1500b. but it's not necessary as registered gets there in 2-3 weeks advertised - actually around 10 days, about the same as EMS - which is plenty within the 3 months allowed.

Edited Saturday at 10:50 AM4 days by Autocan

Form SSA-7162 (also known as the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire or "proof of life" form) is only sent to people receiving U.S. Social Security benefits who have a foreign address on file

I pay $30/m to have a local USA mail forwarding service as many companies only ship products inside America, and I have them box it up and reship to me here in Thailand.

Kinda expensive but keeps me anchored, never know how fast things can change in the future, Bueller.

Edited Saturday at 11:24 PM4 days by SiSePuede419

I just mailed it International Air Mail Registered by Thai Post. Turns out it's only 218 baht in the envelope they include. The registration tracking is 150 baht added to the cost of the envelope which is 68 baht. For some reason I thought it was much more expensive than that. Also there's no problem sending it to the post office box.

Been here 21 years and have never had a parcel not received going either way. I got the 7162 each year starting 2010 and mailed it regular mail without a second thought and so will I always do. It isn't the same for everyone. My disabled friend I take care of could not receive mail from the states at her Hang Dong address. One year I talked an SS agent into sending a test letter which she got, but aside from that NOTHING, at least nothing sent from any US government agency would reach her. So, I had to use the blank form for her and send it regular mail from my post office just in case. After she moved five years ago the problem went away and all four of us here in Sanpatong use regular mail without a shred of worry. Different strokes for different folks, but I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. I scan the signed forms before they go in case I have to prove it.

Edited Sunday at 02:36 PM3 days by cusanus

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.

My father collected my dead grandmother's SS cheque for more than five years in the 1950s. Dontcha hate computers?

10 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

My father collected my dead grandmother's SS cheque for more than five years in the 1950s. Dontcha hate computers?

Did he go to prison? It's considered a serious federal crime. Plus restitution and paying back all the money to the government. I personally wouldn't admit that in a public forum.

4 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

Did he go to prison? It's considered a serious federal crime. Plus restitution and paying back all the money to the government. I personally wouldn't admit that in a public forum.

Burned to ashes! Want to hear how he dodged the WWII draft?

Not admissions but anecdotes. And the old man would've love me telling them.

14 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

My father collected my dead grandmother's SS cheque for more than five years in the 1950s. Dontcha hate computers?

When my grandmother died many decades ago I took her death certificate to the local SSA office to have her benefits terminated. I thought I was doing the right thing but the following people had a virtual stroke: My mother, her sister and my cousin. Why? I was stupid because the "checks" would still be deposited into her bank account. The second place I went was to Grandma's bank and presented her death certificate to have the account closed. I still have a hard time believing that my alleged "blood" relatives are these types of people: "Scumbag, conniving, manipulative and borderline criminals. The term "consequences of one's actions" never had any meaning in their world. I am not a perfect person but at least I know difference between right and wrong. Dead people collecting government benefits is still an ongoing problem.

On 7/11/2026 at 5:16 PM, Autocan said:

Why ordinary? Send it registered. I did that last couple of times from a local PO here in Bkk for about 400b. Got tracking updates all the way till it was signed for in the US.

Zero chance of loss, 100% peace of mind.

I sent mine by registered mail back in 2018 and it was returned as undeliverable even though I used the SSA envelope. Seems it got as far as the USPS mail center in New York and never made it out. I've sent it regular airmail ever since and haven't had a problem.

10 hours ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

I sent mine by registered mail back in 2018 and it was returned as undeliverable even though I used the SSA envelope. Seems it got as far as the USPS mail center in New York and never made it out. I've sent it regular airmail ever since and haven't had a problem.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that the ONLY parcel/letter in 21 years that didn't arrive promptly (two weeks regular mail) was the one I sent registered. It was a debit card so I had to cancel it and get a new one. Well, eventually it was received after all, but it was two months late after sitting in New York for two months, in customs according to the tracker. In my experience regular mail is far more secure, but like I say, whatever blows your hair back.

Edited Monday at 10:01 PM2 days by cusanus

A buddy here in Phuket got his 7162 through his PO Box the other day. He lives in Patong. I live in Phuket Town... nothing yet. Anyone else in Phuket get theirs?

57 minutes ago, Galong said:

A buddy here in Phuket got his 7162 through his PO Box the other day. He lives in Patong. I live in Phuket Town... nothing yet. Anyone else in Phuket get theirs?

Nope and I'm not going to wait. Mailed out mine printed from the internet yesterday at the Rawai post offfice. Sent EMS. There was some discussion if I could mail EMS to a post office box in the USA but the big boss said okay, I had a friend that had his money discontinued because he didn't mail it out in time. He got his money back but what a big hassle. Personally I don't wait, I just mail it in July no matter what. But that is just me. I'm a bit proactive when it comes to my money.

4 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

Nope and I'm not going to wait. Mailed out mine printed from the internet yesterday at the Rawai post offfice. Sent EMS. There was some discussion if I could mail EMS to a post office box in the USA but the big boss said okay, I had a friend that had his money discontinued because he didn't mail it out in time. He got his money back but what a big hassle. Personally I don't wait, I just mail it in July no matter what. But that is just me. I'm a bit proactive when it comes to my money.

I called it in on Sept 2nd last year. It was stressful waiting for something that, at the end of the day, never arrived last year. I might just call it in again if I don't get the form by the end of the month.

What did your friend have to do to get his money reinstated? If it involved Manila, I already understand why it was a hassle.

Hey folks,

I still haven't received mine, and I'm not inclined to wait much longer.

Will a phone attestation work if they haven't generated a 2026 form for me? I'm confused about how they could complete a phone attestation if there's no 2026 form on file for me to go through over the phone.

Super appreciate your input and advice. Thank you!

2 hours ago, Galong said:

I called it in on Sept 2nd last year. It was stressful waiting for something that, at the end of the day, never arrived last year. I might just call it in again if I don't get the form by the end of the month.

What did your friend have to do to get his money reinstated? If it involved Manila, I already understand why it was a hassle.

Manila. Just print out the blank form off the website and mail ems to the Wilkes Barre address. Be sure to put your SS # on the form.

57 minutes ago, MJoe said:

I still haven't received mine, and I'm not inclined to wait much longer.

Will a phone attestation work if they haven't generated a 2026 form for me? I'm confused about how they could complete a phone attestation if there's no 2026 form on file for me to go through over the phone.

Super appreciate your input and advice. Thank you!

Print out the blank form off the website. Fill in the information. Be sure to put your ss# on the form and mail ems to the Wilkes Barre address If you can’t find it let me know and I’ll find the link.

I’ve done it 3 years now and no problem.

Don’t wait for them. It may never happen. 😂

I went Sunday to a couple of POs and was told, You need to go online at "dpostinter" and fill stuff out and come back. This sounded strange and I checked online that indeed there're issues sending parcels to the US because of import tariffs, but documents should go without trouble, which the POs evidently didn't know.

In any case, I went to a Mailboxes Etc. this evening and sent it off in the original SSA envelope, registered with tracking (not express), for 590b. Let's see when it reaches.

3 hours ago, MJoe said:

Will a phone attestation work if they haven't generated a 2026 form for me? I'm confused about how they could complete a phone attestation if there's no 2026 form on file for me to go through over the phone.

They just want to verify that the person calling in is Mjoe., therefore alive.

I went through something similar with the IRS a couple of months ago, a call-in identity verification. Bunch of personal questions were asked: mother's maiden name, my last US location, and on and on for a stressful 10 mins. or so, then it was over. What added to the stress was every couple of minutes she would put me on hold and then come back with more questions. Pain but it really shouldn't if it's you.

Edited yesterday at 04:25 PM1 day by Autocan

9 hours ago, MJoe said:

Hey folks,

I still haven't received mine, and I'm not inclined to wait much longer.

Will a phone attestation work if they haven't generated a 2026 form for me? I'm confused about how they could complete a phone attestation if there's no 2026 form on file for me to go through over the phone.

Super appreciate your input and advice. Thank you!

How would you know if the SSA has or has not generated a Form 7162 for you? That you may have not received one is not proof one was not generated or sent/not sent.

Regardless, last week my wife received her form and as of today I have not.

I tried to call in last week and after waiting on hold for 2 ½ hours I gave up.

This morning I called again and an agent went thru the attestation process within 15 minutes of initiating my call. It's immaterial if a form was generated or not; the agent never asked if I had received one or not.

22 minutes ago, jeffandgop said:

This morning I called again and an agent went thru the attestation process within 15 minutes of initiating my call. It's immaterial if a form was generated or not; the agent never asked if I had received one or not.

I've got my form and mailed it in. But it would be good to know for future reference the number you called and what the attestation process was like.

2 hours ago, Autocan said:

I've got my form and mailed it in. But it would be good to know for future reference the number you called and what the attestation process was like.

I posted last week the tel #'s. The one that actually went thru to a desk was the toll free ## 1-855-522-6936. The process is very simple. I was first asked why I was calling and was asked my name, DOB, location of birth, and mother's maiden name. Then I was to respond to their questions, which were only the questions you would verify or complete on the form:

Box 1. You will be asked to give them your address.

Box 2. You will be asked to give your telephone number##.

Boxes 3-5. You will be asked to answer Yes or No.

Box 6. I responded that I have no children.

Then you will be asked to attest, confirm, etc. your answers.

The agent did say to me that my information had been received and entered into the system. However, there's no confirmation you will be physically provided at the end that documents that you made the call and provided the necessary information.

14 minutes ago, jeffandgop said:

I posted last week the tel #'s. The one that actually went thru to a desk was the toll free ## 1-855-522-6936. The process is very simple.

I use an app called Viber to call the US. I can't dial 800 numbers, but I can call all other types. The International/OE1O SSA HQ tel number that I used last year is +1 410 965 0160

It was quick and easy. Near the end of the call I asked how I would know everything is confirmed and she told me that she typed in all of my details and sent it to Wilkes-Barr. I wrote down her name and the time of my call.

To me, it seems more comfortable hearing someone say "you're all set" over the phone than sending in a blank form and hoping it gets through both the Thai and US postal systems and is accepted on the SSA end. Either way is probably fine, but that's my personal way of thinking about this.

Edited 21 hours ago21 hr by Galong

57 minutes ago, jeffandgop said:

I posted last week the tel #'s. The one that actually went thru to a desk was the toll free ## 1-855-522-6936. The process is very simple. I was first asked why I was calling and was asked my name, DOB, location of birth, and mother's maiden name. Then I was to respond to their questions, which were only the questions you would verify or complete on the form:

Box 1. You will be asked to give them your address.

Box 2. You will be asked to give your telephone number##.

Boxes 3-5. You will be asked to answer Yes or No.

Box 6. I responded that I have no children.

Then you will be asked to attest, confirm, etc. your answers.

The agent did say to me that my information had been received and entered into the system. However, there's no confirmation you will be physically provided at the end that documents that you made the call and provided the necessary information.

Thanks, this is great - appreciate it. Are you going to physically send anything (eg: completed downloaded form or copy of last year’s form)? Or are you going to rely solely on the phone attestation?

42 minutes ago, Galong said:

I use an app called Viber to call the US. I can't dial 800 numbers, but I can call all other types. The International/OE1O SSA HQ tel number that I used last year is +1 410 965 0160

It was quick and easy. Near the end of the call I asked how I would know everything is confirmed and she told me that she typed in all of my details and sent it to Wilkes-Barr. I wrote down her name and the time of my call.

To me, it seems more comfortable hearing someone say "you're all set" over the phone than sending in a blank form and hoping it gets through both the Thai and US postal systems and is accepted on the SSA end. Either way is probably fine, but that's my personal way of thinking about this.

Thanks - appreciate the info! Did you end up physically sending anything to them last year (eg: completed downloaded form or copy of prior year’s form)? Or did you rely solely on the phone attestation last year?

6 minutes ago, MJoe said:

Thanks - appreciate the info! Did you end up physically sending anything to them last year (eg: completed downloaded form or copy of prior year’s form)? Or did you rely solely on the phone attestation last year?

All I did was the phone attestation. That satisfies the requirement on their end.

I'm planning on waiting a couple more weeks to see if some of my other friends in Phuket get their form. If they do and I don't, I'll call around the end of the month.

It's so annoying not knowing exactly what to do and when for something that we shouldn't have to do in the first place... oh well, silly bureaucracy is not something unique to our homeland. 🤷