14 minutes ago, rabas said:

So I would like to ask your opinion: Is it faster and safer just to send it by Thailand first class mail but without the registration? Many thanks.

All I can say is I sent it registered/tracking (as I've done the past years). Sent 16/7 and the last update from 20/7 is "Customs Clearance Process [ (United States) International - USJFKA ]". If I remember correctly last time tracking went right up "Signed for by so and so". Let's see what happens this time. Fingers crossed.

Incidentally, this thread has been terrific and alleviated a bunch of concerns, particularly that folks have been successful in calling in their life verification is a reassuring backup option.

3 hours ago, jeffandgop said:

Curious why you are so sure? What questions did they ask you for identity verification when you called in? For me, the "standard questions" were exactly that- the same information you will find on the SSA-7162 when you receive it and the questions addressing any changes to your status are only those questions contained in the form.

If anyone else's experiences were different they hopefully will post the details.

Did they ask for your father's first and last names? It's the questions to verify that you are who you say you are, not the 3 or 4 actual questions about status change that I was referring to.

3 hours ago, Autocan said:

All I can say is I sent it registered/tracking (as I've done the past years). Sent 16/7 and the last update from 20/7 is "Customs Clearance Process [ (United States) International - USJFKA ]". If I remember correctly last time tracking went right up "Signed for by so and so". Let's see what happens this time. Fingers crossed.

Incidentally, this thread has been terrific and alleviated a bunch of concerns, particularly that folks have been successful in calling in their life verification is a reassuring backup option.

Same here mine has been at USJFKA "customs clearance" since July 15. At least it made to NY which is only 130 mies from to the final destination in Wilkes Barre PA.

46 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Same here mine has been at USJFKA "customs clearance" since July 15. At least it made to NY which is only 130 mies from to the final destination in Wilkes Barre PA.

Hmm, suggests that given the volume of incoming 7162s, JFK might be batching them for dispatch to Wilkes-Barre.

Hey folks, it's been noted for a few years now that registered mail is only tracked upon the entry to the USA (which is generally JFK) and no further.

So the cost of registered mail isn't worth it, nor the 'peace of mind'.

I find it amusing all the nonsense and disagreements being posted on this thread.

25 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

Hey folks, it's been noted for a few years now that registered mail is only tracked upon the entry to the USA (which is generally JFK) and no further.

So the cost of registered mail isn't worth it, nor the 'peace of mind'.

I find it amusing all the nonsense and disagreements being posted on this thread.

Do we like people who spout BS with the confidence of ignorance? No.

Here're the last few stops in tracking my tax return, all the way to "Successful delivery".

26 minutes ago, dingdongrb said:

Hey folks, it's been noted for a few years now that registered mail is only tracked upon the entry to the USA (which is generally JFK) and no further.

So the cost of registered mail isn't worth it, nor the 'peace of mind'.

I find it amusing all the nonsense and disagreements being posted on this thread.

I got called for Jury Duty in Los Angeles County a few years ago. I was in Chiang Mai at the time. I got the notice forwarded to me in CNX. I sent the reply that I could not make it(like I really care) and sent the response back via Thai Post with tracking. 14 days later I got verification that it was actually received and signed by someone named Rodriguez. I presume Rodriguez was an LA County employee. This was the same way I sent my Form 7162 two weeks ago. So far the tracking seems to be stuck at JFK.

1 hour ago, Autocan said:

Do we like people who spout BS with the confidence of ignorance? No.

Here're the last few stops in tracking my tax return, all the way to "Successful delivery".

Successful delivery where? Definitely not at the SSA in PA....

Like I said, amusing and entertaining..... freakin funny AF.

1 hour ago, sqwakvfr said:

I got called for Jury Duty in Los Angeles County a few years ago. I was in Chiang Mai at the time. I got the notice forwarded to me in CNX. I sent the reply that I could not make it(like I really care) and sent the response back via Thai Post with tracking. 14 days later I got verification that it was actually received and signed by someone named Rodriguez. I presume Rodriguez was an LA County employee. This was the same way I sent my Form 7162 two weeks ago. So far the tracking seems to be stuck at JFK.

It's not stuck at JFK.... it's just that's all the further tracking will show you..... experienced it myself years ago. That is why now I just send normal air. (I think it was 68 THB this year.)

As for Rodriguez, perhaps he worked at the location for incoming International mail (i.e LAX, JFK)?

10 hours ago, cusanus said:

Maybe I'm too dimwitted to comment, but an SSA agent told me that whatever address I use on my 1040 will automatically change the SSA address if they're not the same. I

The SSA agent is partially correct.

"If" repeat, if you are already drawing SSA benefits whatever address you provide the SSA will be used. That address you provided the SSA will not be changed by any SSA-IRS information interchange like if you were using a different address for your IRS return.

However, if are not drawing benefits yet (i.e., still too young) and have not provided SSA an address then the SSA will use your IRS federal return address used. Since most people file an IRS return it provides the SSA an interim address until the person starts drawing SSA benefits at which time the SSA will get your address from your SSA benefits application, online acct, etc.

3 hours ago, dingdongrb said:

It's not stuck at JFK.... it's just that's all the further tracking will show you..... experienced it myself years ago. That is why now I just send normal air. (I think it was 68 THB this year.)

As for Rodriguez, perhaps he worked at the location for incoming International mail (i.e LAX, JFK)?

No. the name was a county employee because the tracking page said delivered with the name Rodriguez. This was a few years ago. "Stuck" was just my term and really don't know how fast or slow CBP works at JFK.

I mailed my printed out form from the website by EMS from Rawai post office July 13. It arrived successful delivery July 22, signed for by J. Depascale.

I still have not received my original form. If I do I will keep it for next year.

Mission Accomplished.

This may or may not be interesting to anyone. I mailed it international airmail registered.

Delivered

Delivered, PO Box

WILKES BARRE, PA 18767

July 24, 2026 7:57 PM

Arrived at Post Office

WILKES BARRE, PA 18701

July 24, 2026 6:05 PM

Arrived at USPS Facility

LEHIGH VALLEY PA DISTRIBUTION CENTER

July 19, 2026 9:49 AM

Processed Through USPS Facility

JAMAICA

July 17, 2026 6:55 AM

Inbound Into Customs

Origin Post is Preparing Shipment

Processed Through Facility

SUVARNABHUMI MAIL CENTRE (SMC), THAILAND

July 14, 2026 2:06 PM

Processed Through Facility

SUVARNABHUMI MAIL CENTRE (SMC), THAILAND

July 14, 2026 9:19 AM

Acceptance

THAILAND

July 12, 2026 10:49 AM

Edited Saturday at 12:14 AM4 days by ricklev

I was digging around a bunch of older documents I have buried in a desk drawer and I ran across a copy I made of my

"SSA-7162-OCR-SM" form from last year. It was dated July 31, 2025. So perhaps my impatience is unwarranted and I should just sit tight for a few more weeks.

12 minutes ago, khaepmu said:

I was digging around a bunch of older documents I have buried in a desk drawer and I ran across a copy I made of my

"SSA-7162-OCR-SM" form from last year. It was dated July 31, 2025. So perhaps my impatience is unwarranted and I should just sit tight for a few more weeks.

https://media2.giphy.com/media/W0K28ZUNUGwIIebMpT/200.gif?cid=d9f52f32l7ydfacpmmu84w9l7xmodqhxgfni41b1e44yh8uu&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=200.gif&ct=g

23 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

Same here mine has been at USJFKA "customs clearance" since July 15. At least it made to NY which is only 130 mies from to the final destination in Wilkes Barre PA.

Same goes for me. Still in coustoms.

On 7/24/2026 at 12:02 PM, dingdongrb said:

Hey folks, it's been noted for a few years now that registered mail is only tracked upon the entry to the USA (which is generally JFK) and no further.

So the cost of registered mail isn't worth it, nor the 'peace of mind'.

I find it amusing all the nonsense and disagreements being posted on this thread.

Your comment is misleading because you were not specific.
Registered mail to many locations goes through, works like a charm.

Your intent, and what many here will vouch for, is that registered mail to the SSA is a waste of time and money. Years ago I did it and it worked, but that has not been the case since around 2020.

On 7/25/2026 at 10:34 AM, pmarlin said:

Same goes for me. Still in coustoms.

Yeah, mine is stuck there too, but only since Sunday morning. It got from Phuket to JFK in about 4 days via registered Thai Post. They said it would be about 21 days. I didn't realize most of that was potentially in DC. 😜

26/07/2569 06:53 AM Customs clearance procedures [International (United States) - USJFKA]

3 minutes ago, Galong said:

Yeah, mine is stuck there too, but only since Sunday morning. It got from Phuket to JFK in about 4 days via registered Thai Post. They said it would be about 21 days. I didn't realize most of that was potentially in DC. 😜

26/07/2569 06:53 AM Customs clearance procedures [International (United States) - USJFKA]

Ditto since 07/15/2026 same message but the final destination is Wilkes Barre, PA which is 130 miles away. Must be driving very slow or CBP is working like most Federal employee: 1) Slow 2) Slower 3) Slowest.

4 minutes ago, Galong said:

Yeah, mine is stuck there too, but only since Sunday morning. It got from Phuket to JFK in about 4 days via registered Thai Post. They said it would be about 21 days. I didn't realize most of that was potentially in DC. 😜

26/07/2569 06:53 AM Customs clearance procedures [International (United States) - USJFKA]

Eighth day now at customs:

20/07/2569 13:40 Customs Clearance Process [ (United States) International - USJFKA ]

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by Autocan

I have never received this SSA-7162 - my SSA goes into a US Bank, my mailing address is in USA so is that the reason I don't get “The Proof of Life” questionaire?? Been getting SSA for 10 years now, but only lived overseas for 3 of them

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by Explorator en Action

19 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Ditto since 07/15/2026 same message but the final destination is Wilkes Barre, PA which is 130 miles away. Must be driving very slow or CBP is working like most Federal employee: 1) Slow 2) Slower 3) Slowest.

Try going to https://tools.usps.com/tracking/ and inserting your tracking code.

I did that and it said, "Latest Update: your item is being processed by United States Customs". I reckon that's a good sign... it shows that the US Postal Service knows about it. 👍

20 minutes ago, Explorator en Action said:

I have never received this SSA-7162 - my SSA goes into a US Bank, my mailing address is in USA so is that the reason I don't get “The Proof of Life” questionaire?? Been getting SSA for 10 years now, but only lived overseas for 3 of them

Not necessarily. SSA generally sends the SSA-7162 ("Proof of Life") to beneficiaries whose official residence is outside the U.S. If SSA still has a U.S. residential address on file for you, you may not be included in the overseas mailing. Having your payments deposited into a U.S. bank account by itself doesn't determine whether you receive the form.

If you've been living overseas for three years, the important question is: Does SSA know you're living overseas, or do they still have your U.S. address as your residence? If they know you're abroad and you still haven't received an SSA-7162, it would be worth contacting SSA to confirm your record is correct.

30 minutes ago, Galong said:

Not necessarily. SSA generally sends the SSA-7162 ("Proof of Life") to beneficiaries whose official residence is outside the U.S. If SSA still has a U.S. residential address on file for you, you may not be included in the overseas mailing. Having your payments deposited into a U.S. bank account by itself doesn't determine whether you receive the form.

If you've been living overseas for three years, the important question is: Does SSA know you're living overseas, or do they still have your U.S. address as your residence? If they know you're abroad and you still haven't received an SSA-7162, it would be worth contacting SSA to confirm your record is correct.

Obviously you didn't understand the post you're replying to.

"....my mailing address is in USA......."

'stuck in customs'

Too funny and very entertaining......

You can't make this junk up I tell you!

1 hour ago, Galong said:

Not necessarily. SSA generally sends the SSA-7162 ("Proof of Life") to beneficiaries whose official residence is outside the U.S. If SSA still has a U.S. residential address on file for you, you may not be included in the overseas mailing. Having your payments deposited into a U.S. bank account by itself doesn't determine whether you receive the form.

If you've been living overseas for three years, the important question is: Does SSA know you're living overseas, or do they still have your U.S. address as your residence? If they know you're abroad and you still haven't received an SSA-7162, it would be worth contacting SSA to confirm your record is correct.

Thanx for the reply, I assumed that but thought I’d ask, no I haven’t reported my overseas address to any of my institutions I receive pensions as I maintain a US address full time (it’s my official mailing address as well) I hve no plans to change my address to a fioreign country. Peace

16 hours ago, Autocan said:

Eighth day now at customs:

20/07/2569 13:40 Customs Clearance Process [ (United States) International - USJFKA ]

A buddy here in Phuket had his go through fairly quickly. He sent regular Thai Post, registered. Maybe they're just doing them in batches and ours will happen shortly... no real reason for concern as they are going through eventually, as my buddy shows. I'll let you know if my status changes.