Any Americans living in Thailand on S.S.D.

[doggie1955]

I am married to a Thai, and I am looking at moving to Thailand in March.

I am on S.S.D. So what is the best way to bank? (Bank here or back home)

What did you have to do with SSD before you came here?

Did you stop your Medicare?

any info will help, Thank You!

[Rooo]

Moved to home country forum.

[Langsuan Man]

Are you talking about Social Security Disability or just regular Social Security Retirement benefits ?

Basically it is up to you. Bangkok Bank offers a direct deposit system for you Social Security payments to be direct deposited into your Thai Bangkok Bank account but this system requires you to present yourself to your Bangkok Bank home branch every month to receive your payment. Or you can have your SS deposited in a US Bank account and then transferred to your Thai Bangkok Bank account in Thailand via the Electronic Funds Transfer System using the New York Branch as the clearing house

see: http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUSA/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUSA.aspx

You also must be more specific regarding Medicare. Medicare Part A (hospitalization) is automatic, part B (doctors visits) is voluntary but you must pay for it out of your SS benefits and cannot be used overseas. But if you don't sign up for it at age 65 you will pay a penalty of 10% per year for every year after eligibility if you should decide later on to sign up for it

You should really read in depth your various options that can be found @ ssa.gov. From Thailand that web page is only available during the following hours:

There is also another thread running here at TV regarding: Any tips on filing for Social Security benefits (US) running here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777239-any-tips-on-filing-for-social-security-benefits-us/

Edited December 3, 2014 by Langsuan Man

[craigt3365]

I've found Bangkok Bank to be the best and easiest to use. And also probably the most reasonable. Direct deposit into your bank and then do an online transfer to get the money here.

The group handling SS out of the Philippines is pretty good. Respond relatively quickly. I found them much better to deal with than the offices in the US.

Before you leave, I'd visit your local SS office and let them know what you are up to. I've also found having a US address is best. Not all mail seems to make it here...unfortunately.

[NeverSure]

Doggie, I don't know about your SSD question, but I would never cancel my medicare. For every year you don't have it you are penalized 10% if you try to sign up again. As we get older the chances of needed it grow greater.

The good thing about medicare is that you can't be penalized for a pre-existing condition as long as you keep it current, even when you first sign up at age 65. There is no age limit later and you can't be dropped no matter your age or health.

It is insurance. We all pay insurance premiums for our cars and homes and never expect to collect money or so we hope. The same is true of medicare except you are almost assured of collecting as you grow older. Medicare Advantage or Medigap are two of the biggest bargains out there.

[doggie1955]

So far I got some good info, Thank You.

[dddave]

Consider opening an account with CHARLES SCHWAB and have your SSI directly deposited into the account. Schwab absorbs all international ATM fees and you will be able to withdraw your money in Thailand with no problem.

You must open the CS account while you are in the USA.

[TerryLH]

"Medicare Advantage or Medigap are two of the biggest bargains out there."

And both offer coverage in Thailand?

If not, why is it such a bargain?

[Jimmpy]

Does Medicare cover us here in Thailand?

[Langsuan Man]

Does Medicare cover us here in Thailand?

No

[CaptHaddock]

Doggie,

Here are some other things to consider, in case you are not already aware of them:

1. Make sure you have accounts at more than one US bank or credit union. Once you've left the US it will be difficult or impossible to open a new bank account. If you keep your US credit cards, you will need a bank account to pay for it. e. g. USAA, if you're ex-military, Pentagon Federal, Capital One 360. Keep the accounts active. Get statements electronically.

2. Get several credit cards that don't charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Penfed and Capital One have them, among others. Make sure you use the cards frequently so they don't drop you for inactivity. Getting a credit card from a Thai bank is not trivial and comes with high a high interest rate and no fraud protection if you do get one. Use it for subscriptions like Netflix or to buy from Amazon, for instance.

3. Get a mail forwarder that will provide you with a street address in a state with no income tax. I pay a base charge of $20/month plus charges for actual forwarding (rare) or scanning of contents. Use only this address as your address of records with all banks, brokerages, the IRS, etc. except only for the Social Security Administration.

4. Get a VOIP telephone service. Transfer your current phone number, if possible. Magic Jack is a cheap one. I use Ooma, which is not cheap initially, but works pretty well. Make sure it has an answering service feature. Give out only this number as your phone number with all US entities.

5. Get a VPN service for your computer so that when you login to a US website like a bank, they see a US ip address and don't flag you as an expat. Not all such companies take an interest in your ip address, but if they do it can be a headache and possibly lead to the forcible closure of your account. About $10/month. Witopia works well. There are many others. You'll be able to use services like Netflix without a problem and pay with your US credit card.

6. If you are moving away from a state that collects income tax look up the tax domicile regulations for your state and follow them to the letter to sever your connection with the state and avoid future liability for state income tax. Being a resident of a state for income tax purposes does not necessarily mean what you think it means. For instance, be sure to surrender your driver's license and get a receipt for it, de-register for voting, if possible, sell property, etc.

So, that's a start. And good luck.

[IMA_FARANG]

Are you talking about Social Security Disability or just regular Social Security Retirement benefits ?

Basically it is up to you. Bangkok Bank offers a direct deposit system for you Social Security payments to be direct deposited into your Thai Bangkok Bank account but this system requires you to present yourself to your Bangkok Bank home branch every month to receive your payment. Or you can have your SS deposited in a US Bank account and then transferred to your Thai Bangkok Bank account in Thailand via the Electronic Funds Transfer System using the New York Branch as the clearing house

see: http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUSA/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUSA.aspx

You also must be more specific regarding Medicare. Medicare Part A (hospitalization) is automatic, part B (doctors visits) is voluntary but you must pay for it out of your SS benefits and cannot be used overseas. But if you don't sign up for it at age 65 you will pay a penalty of 10% per year for every year after eligibility if you should decide later on to sign up for it

You should really read in depth your various options that can be found @ ssa.gov. From Thailand that web page is only available during the following hours:

SSA hrs.png

There is also another thread running here at TV regarding: Any tips on filing for Social Security benefits (US) running here:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777239-any-tips-on-filing-for-social-security-benefits-us/

-------------------------------

iI is no longer true that you must personally appear each month to collect direct deposit Social Security benefits.

On your first direct deposit you will need to appear in person..... but from then on it can be done by computer once your name. address, and account number is verified in their computer record database.

You will need your bankbook each month however as they will need to scan your bankbook into the computer and update your balance when your funds arrive.

You will also need some form of photo I.D. (a passportr will do)

This can now be done at any Bangkok Bank branch office, at least in Bangkok.

I am not sure if his is also possible if your Bangkok Bank branch is outside of the Bangkok area or not.

[IMA_FARANG]

Does Medicare cover us here in Thailand?

---------------------

No, only if you are in the U.S. So, you may be enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare......but you can only collect hospital benefits if you are physically in the U.S.

[BKKSnowBird]

Anyone ever been through a CDR while living in Thailand?

[Mrjlh]

Also be aware if you are on SSD, they can call you in to see any one of their Doctors at anytime. Rare but possible. Depends greatly on the level of your disability and if they have already determine the disability is not likely to get better. It is in the documentaion and the letter you signed accepting it. They do that the verify you are still eligiable for SSD. If you miss that appointment they can cancel or stop payment. That applies up until you reach full SS retirement age.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here, but these two ideas mentioned below would seem to be at odds with each other. Doesn't all the stuff you mention in the second part still require personally appearing at the bank every month?

iI is no longer true that you must personally appear each month to collect direct deposit Social Security benefits.

.................................................

You will need your bankbook each month however as they will need to scan your bankbook into the computer and update your balance when your funds arrive.

You will also need some form of photo I.D. (a passportr will do)

This can now be done at any Bangkok Bank branch office, at least in Bangkok.

[Langsuan Man]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something here, but these two ideas mentioned below would seem to be at odds with each other. Doesn't all the stuff you mention in the second part still require personally appearing at the bank every month?

iI is no longer true that you must personally appear each month to collect direct deposit Social Security benefits.

.................................................

You will need your bankbook each month however as they will need to scan your bankbook into the computer and update your balance when your funds arrive.

You will also need some form of photo I.D. (a passportr will do)

This can now be done at any Bangkok Bank branch office, at least in Bangkok.

I caught that too John, so the original statement that says you no longer need to report is also at odds with the instructions from Bangkok Bank:

If you use a direct deposit service to receive funds from a US Government Agency, you must appear in person at a Bangkok Bank branch to withdraw the funds.

Bangkok Bank cannot authorize the withdrawal of funds from your direct deposit account by an appointed representative, or via ATM or any other electronic channel. You must appear in person at a Bangkok Bank branch to withdraw the funds. You can, however, open a normal savings or current account and transfer the funds from your direct deposit account to this account. You may then withdraw your funds as usual via ATM or any other electronic channel.

You can also opt to directly contact the US Government Agencies to send funds into your savings account with Bangkok Bank. However, we still need to request that you change your savings account to a Direct Deposit account. Failure to comply will result in Bangkok Bank not being able to deposit funds transferred from the US Government Agency into your account.

source: http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/TransferingFunds/TransferringIntoThailand/ReceivingFundsfromUSA/Pages/ReceivingFundsfromUSA.aspx

[gk10002000]

Does Medicare cover us here in Thailand?

No. Not at all. Not even filing claims for reimbursements. I still have Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield and the best that they will do is let me file a claim. I have had problems with that just being out of my State, never mind being over seas. As I approach a Thailand retirement versus continued work decision, it looks like BUPA and some others have decent plans up until one turns 65. Then the Medicare thing may be done. That is not much help unless one gets on a plane and flies back to the states though. It will take some looking to see how insurance when I approach 65 will work out. My best guess is I will simply spend a lot of time in Thailand, say 6 months of each year or more. Fly home once or twice a year, check up on things, etc. Obamacare and Medicare are not looking good so I will keep looking seriously at other international medical plans. Or maybe that rich girlfriend will come along

[Langsuan Man]

There are a number of expats here in Thailand that are covered overseas by Blue Cross but most of them have brought BC from their retirement package here

Retired US Military are eligible for Tri-care but must sign up and pay for Medicare part "B" when they hit 65 if overseas

I personally submit all my claims for Thai doctor and hospital visits to Blue Cross using an Overseas Claim Form and since I opted to also pay for Medicate Part B they pay everything without any deductibles or co-pays

A lot depends upon the exact language and restrictions of your Blue Cross plan

[NeverSure]

"Medicare Advantage or Medigap are two of the biggest bargains out there."

And both offer coverage in Thailand?

If not, why is it such a bargain?

Wow, an older thread I hadn't replied to. A major health issue can break most expats in Thailand and some might actually need to go "home" to get care. Medicare is insurance and like most insurance we pay and hope we don't need it. For about $250 per month I have Medicare F or "Medicap" with no copays and no deductibles. Also for any who visit the US once in a while it can be used to catch up on things.

I could stick with A and B for $104 per month or Medicare Advantage for something in between that and what I pay, but the $250 or so I pay including for B is my assurance that I have no medical bills to pay. BTW that figure includes RX.

Cheers.

[danmarnj]

What a great country the US is! You collect SS disability and then live half-way around the world on the taxpayer dime. How does the Government decide that you are no longer disabled and work-eligible? How can someone afford to live in thailand on SSD? The average recipient gets between about $700 to $1700 per month. Social Security is near bankrupt because there are way too many claiming disability and don't even talk to me about the kids that are on it because the parents say they are crazy! The US needs to be cracking down on these entitlements and getting people back to work!!

You may be perfectly legit, but it raises a red flag for me that a totally disabled person can fly 20 plus hours to thailand (which is arduous in itself) and set up a household, especially if you dont plan to live in a village up north.

[gk10002000]

What a great country the US is! You collect SS disability and then live half-way around the world on the taxpayer dime. How does the Government decide that you are no longer disabled and work-eligible? How can someone afford to live in thailand on SSD? The average recipient gets between about $700 to $1700 per month. Social Security is near bankrupt because there are way too many claiming disability and don't even talk to me about the kids that are on it because the parents say they are crazy! The US needs to be cracking down on these entitlements and getting people back to work!!

You may be perfectly legit, but it raises a red flag for me that a totally disabled person can fly 20 plus hours to thailand (which is arduous in itself) and set up a household, especially if you dont plan to live in a village up north.

The disability rules are wide and varied and one never knows what rulings will come down. There is not doubt it is abused by many people. There are plenty of shady lawyers and shady people out there who try to get it all the time and you can research all the scams and news videos that have caught the cheats. In the poker room, on any given day I would say I see 5 or 6 people that drive there, sit and play for hours, and certainly seem like they could do reasonable labor, kitchen work, real estate agent and hundreds of other types of jobs if they put the time into it. In general I would say the system does a poor job of following up on people and see if they recover or get rehabilitated. No doubt the gold ring is to get "permanent disability" up front, and therefore never have to re-qualify again.

[BKKSnowBird]

What a great country the US is! You collect SS disability and then live half-way around the world on the taxpayer dime. How does the Government decide that you are no longer disabled and work-eligible? How can someone afford to live in thailand on SSD? The average recipient gets between about $700 to $1700 per month. Social Security is near bankrupt because there are way too many claiming disability and don't even talk to me about the kids that are on it because the parents say they are crazy! The US needs to be cracking down on these entitlements and getting people back to work!!

You may be perfectly legit, but it raises a red flag for me that a totally disabled person can fly 20 plus hours to thailand (which is arduous in itself) and set up a household, especially if you dont plan to live in a village up north.

You do realize SSDI is not an entitlement right? Maybe you are thinking about SSI. Both are very hard to qualfy for. I don't think fraud is as common as some think.

[gk10002000]

Doggie,

Here are some other things to consider, in case you are not already aware of them:

1. Make sure you have accounts at more than one US bank or credit union. Once you've left the US it will be difficult or impossible to open a new bank account. If you keep your US credit cards, you will need a bank account to pay for it. e. g. USAA, if you're ex-military, Pentagon Federal, Capital One 360. Keep the accounts active. Get statements electronically.

2. Get several credit cards that don't charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Penfed and Capital One have them, among others. Make sure you use the cards frequently so they don't drop you for inactivity. Getting a credit card from a Thai bank is not trivial and comes with high a high interest rate and no fraud protection if you do get one. Use it for subscriptions like Netflix or to buy from Amazon, for instance.

3. Get a mail forwarder that will provide you with a street address in a state with no income tax. I pay a base charge of $20/month plus charges for actual forwarding (rare) or scanning of contents. Use only this address as your address of records with all banks, brokerages, the IRS, etc. except only for the Social Security Administration.

4. Get a VOIP telephone service. Transfer your current phone number, if possible. Magic Jack is a cheap one. I use Ooma, which is not cheap initially, but works pretty well. Make sure it has an answering service feature. Give out only this number as your phone number with all US entities.

5. Get a VPN service for your computer so that when you login to a US website like a bank, they see a US ip address and don't flag you as an expat. Not all such companies take an interest in your ip address, but if they do it can be a headache and possibly lead to the forcible closure of your account. About $10/month. Witopia works well. There are many others. You'll be able to use services like Netflix without a problem and pay with your US credit card.

6. If you are moving away from a state that collects income tax look up the tax domicile regulations for your state and follow them to the letter to sever your connection with the state and avoid future liability for state income tax. Being a resident of a state for income tax purposes does not necessarily mean what you think it means. For instance, be sure to surrender your driver's license and get a receipt for it, de-register for voting, if possible, sell property, etc.

So, that's a start. And good luck.

Very well done Captain, and very sound advice, especially the part about moving away from a state. New Mexico for example is very strict about what they say you need to establish a domicile away from New Mexico. You should read there instruction booklet. Funny though they make it trivial and almost by default want to make you a resident in a heartbeat if you step foot in the state.