Filing for US Social Security from Thailand

[jmd8800]

I turn 62 in June and will be filing for SS Retirement in March. I am in Thailand on Non-Imm O-A and the second part of that visa ends on March 12, 2017. I can qualify for an extension of stay. I've returned 2 times since I first came here in April 2015.

 

So I have two options. File from here or make a trip back to the USA. If I choose to stay here and file, can avoid going through Manila office and do it online? I still have everything a regular US resident has, address, bank accounts, registered to vote etc. 

[tutsiwarrior]

you can file yer SSA pension claim online regardless of where you live...whether or not you haveta deal with Manila will depend on what yer address is on the claim; US or Thailand...

[WaywardWind]

I filed online 5 years ago, and it went fine. 

 

It is good that you have a US address and bank accounts as that will save headaches in getting everyday expense funds to Thailand.  Simply have it sent by direct deposit to your US bank, and then use ATMs here to withdraw funds as needed. No need to go to the bank each month, passport in hand, to withdraw funds as is required if you only have a Thai address and bank account.

[WISteve]

Using Bangkokbank for direct deposit has it's advantages though. 

    I signed up two years ago while in Thailand. You can fill out the form online or print it out and forward to US Citizen Services in Bangkok who send it on to Manila. You get an e-mail telling you when they will call and the three minute call from PI was not a problem at all:  polite, friendly lady who told me what my benefits would be and confirmed that the account I set-up at the bank was good to go and also told me when my first transfer would be coming through. The bank charges 200 baht for the transfer which almost always arrives on the 3rd of the month. Set it up at one of the major mall locations which have long hours and they are open seven days a week so it's easy to pick-up your money when it is convenient for you.

 --No ATM charges so you get all of your money.

--The exchange rate they give on the transfer is very competitive.

--If there is ever a problem you have a real person in front of you to discuss the matter.

 

  To each their own but I am glad I arranged it through the Thai bank.  It is convenient for me.

[WaywardWind]

6 hours ago, WISteve said:

Using Bangkokbank for direct deposit has it's advantages though. 

    I signed up two years ago while in Thailand. You can fill out the form online or print it out and forward to US Citizen Services in Bangkok who send it on to Manila. You get an e-mail telling you when they will call and the three minute call from PI was not a problem at all:  polite, friendly lady who told me what my benefits would be and confirmed that the account I set-up at the bank was good to go and also told me when my first transfer would be coming through. The bank charges 200 baht for the transfer which almost always arrives on the 3rd of the month. Set it up at one of the major mall locations which have long hours and they are open seven days a week so it's easy to pick-up your money when it is convenient for you.

 --No ATM charges so you get all of your money.

--The exchange rate they give on the transfer is very competitive.

--If there is ever a problem you have a real person in front of you to discuss the matter.

 

  To each their own but I am glad I arranged it through the Thai bank.  It is convenient for me.

The bank I use in the US is PNC bank; they reimburse the 200 baht charge which is levied each time I use a ATM, and I have always found their exchange rates very close to the BB rates.

 

One issue that I considered, as I am older, is that if I were incapacitated and in the hospital, my wife could access the PNC account via the ATM and avoid the hassle of obtaining a PoA in order to access the funds at BB.

 

Like you say, to each his own.

[jmd8800]

Thanks for the replies. My big fear was they would accept an overseas IP address or something. How long after the application is filed can I expect to be called? If I go to USA and file I won't be there too long as that might make me liable for Affordable Care Act penalties should I not purchase insurance. 35 days is the max I can stay.

 

I have all banking set up between USA and Thailand with Bangkok Bank. 

[Jeffrey346]

33 minutes ago, jmd8800 said:

Thanks for the replies. My big fear was they would accept an overseas IP address or something. How long after the application is filed can I expect to be called? If I go to USA and file I won't be there too long as that might make me liable for Affordable Care Act penalties should I not purchase insurance. 35 days is the max I can stay.

 

I have all banking set up between USA and Thailand with Bangkok Bank. 

I would not do an SSA direct deposit to Bangkok Bank as you can only get those funds by going to the branch where you opened the account.

SSA has an agreement with www.usdirectexpress.com  [Comerica Bank]. You open an account online, they accept your foreign address and issue you a free debit card.

SSA will deposit into that account each month and for $1.50, you can transfer funds to Bangkok Bank New York. The funds will be in your Thai account in 3 working days and you can access those funds from anywhere.

I find this process the easiest and least costly way to get your money to Thailand..

[BillyBob65]

I started the process online a few weeks and now cannot get back into the government's site. Every URL that is connected to SSA comes up with the message that the site is down. I have tried everyday and even different times of the day. I have tried trashing cookies, different web browsers (I use Chrome).....Nothing. 

 

So, be aware that there are problems with their website.

 

If anyone has any suggestions, please don't hesitate to respond.

[Jeffrey346]

I couple of years ago I tried to change my address on the SSA website but could not. I called SSA and was told once my SSA account is setup, I can not access the SSA website from abroad for security reasons.

I have not tried to get on the SSA site since and don't know if this is still the case..

[berniept]

10 hours ago, WISteve said:

Using Bangkokbank for direct deposit has it's advantages though. 

    I signed up two years ago while in Thailand. You can fill out the form online or print it out and forward to US Citizen Services in Bangkok who send it on to Manila.

Steve, can you please give more info about "filling out the form online"? Does this refer to using the ssa.gov website, and if so, how did you access the form? Or is it on the Bangkok US Embassy website, and if so, where is it on the site? Thanks. Bernie

[Suradit69]

23 hours ago, jmd8800 said:

If I choose to stay here and file, can avoid going through Manila office

 

I did it using the Manila office about 8 years ago, using my Thai address, but directing monthly payments to my bank in Chicago. It wasn't a problem. Payments started up almost immediately and annual statements as well as the annual check to see if anything has changed (i.e. to see if you're still alive) is sent to my Thai address.

 

I've not had a problem connecting to the SSA website here: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/?URL=/apps6z/BEVE/main.html

but as I recall in the past the website was only operating during US business hours.

[rijb]

42 minutes ago, berniept said:

Steve, can you please give more info about "filling out the form online"? Does this refer to using the ssa.gov website, and if so, how did you access the form? Or is it on the Bangkok US Embassy website, and if so, where is it on the site? Thanks. Bernie

 

https://www.ssa.gov/retire/

[MANFROMBOCA]

i just signed up online in nov 2016  my first check comes march 2017,, dont go to the ss office you will be there all day  i tried when i went back to the states and they told why was i waiting just do it online it takes 5 minutes so i did it online here but i use a vpn to access site

 

you can download Opera web browser comes with free vpn and i believe chrome has a free vpn plugin now too

 

i have my check deposited into my checking acct can wire money to my thai acct

 

beware that if something is wrong with your application (in my case it was an error on their part ) they will have to call you and advise you before they can proceed,, ive set up a skype with an usa # that rings to my phone in thailand

 

otherwise you will have to go thru manila,, which my cousin did here and he said it was so easy and they were very helpfull 

 

good luck dont stress

[stockmktgenius]

Not to rain on your parade, but if you don't really need the money, you might consider waiting.  Each year you wait before 66, you get an extra 7 or so percent per year.  And each year after 66, you get an extra 8% - all for life!  Plus if you have a wife who'll collect in the future, she'll get extra too. 

 

So, for example, if you  were going to draw $1000 and you wait the 4 years to 66, you'd get $1280 per month for life.  Now, if you wait to 70, the latest you can wait, another $320 a year for life- around $1600.  That's a big difference, but then you didn't draw checks all those other years.  There's a book I'm reading on the subject that you might like called Get What's Yours: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Whats-Yours-Revised-Security/dp/1501144766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485336519&sr=8-1&keywords=get+what's+yours+the+secrets+to+maxing+out+your+social+security

Good luck!

[IAMHERE]

If you don't really need the money to exist, think about what stockmktgenius wrote; read the site he suggested. Most people can not get 7% or 8% on thier money, SSA practically gives you that rate of return by waiting.

[Dan5]

I filed for SS a few years ago without visiting any office. I think I did it all online, but I may have had to send some mail, been quite a while, so I can't remember for sure. But it was easy and there were no problems. Just did it all from my home here in Bangkok.

[Dan5]

You can also get  an online SS account, but you have to use VPN to get a USA IP to access it. But again, its no problem filling for SS from Thailand without visiting any SS office.

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I couple of years ago I tried to change my address on the SSA website but could not. I called SSA and was told once my SSA account is setup, I can not access the SSA website from abroad for security reasons.

I have not tried to get on the SSA site since and don't know if this is still the case..

Access through a free VPN likeTunnel Bear with a US gateway.

[1FinickyOne]

1 hour ago, stockmktgenius said:

Not to rain on your parade, but if you don't really need the money, you might consider waiting.  Each year you wait before 66, you get an extra 7 or so percent per year.  And each year after 66, you get an extra 8% - all for life!  Plus if you have a wife who'll collect in the future, she'll get extra too. 

 

So, for example, if you  were going to draw $1000 and you wait the 4 years to 66, you'd get $1280 per month for life.  Now, if you wait to 70, the latest you can wait, another $320 a year for life- around $1600.  That's a big difference, but then you didn't draw checks all those other years.  There's a book I'm reading on the subject that you might like called Get What's Yours: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Whats-Yours-Revised-Security/dp/1501144766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485336519&sr=8-1&keywords=get+what's+yours+the+secrets+to+maxing+out+your+social+security

Good luck!

I have seen the break even point listed at about 78 or so - I think... but I was wondering if that assumes that you will spend the money immediately. How do the figures skew if you invest the money? Even assuming a modest return? I have one stock account that earned 12.8% last year... 

[flexomike]

3 hours ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I couple of years ago I tried to change my address on the SSA website but could not. I called SSA and was told once my SSA account is setup, I can not access the SSA website from abroad for security reasons.

I have not tried to get on the SSA site since and don't know if this is still the case..

They never enacted the new law, too many expats complained, you can access your social account in Thailand, I just went on mine yesterday

[flexomike]

3 hours ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I couple of years ago I tried to change my address on the SSA website but could not. I called SSA and was told once my SSA account is setup, I can not access the SSA website from abroad for security reasons.

I have not tried to get on the SSA site since and don't know if this is still the case..

Too change your address from Thailand you have to go to the Manila website, just email them and they will give you the information you need, can be done by mail or on the internet. If you check with the American Embassy website in Bangkok they have the information for contacting Manila

[stockmktgenius]

42 minutes ago, kenk24 said:

I have seen the break even point listed at about 78 or so - I think... but I was wondering if that assumes that you will spend the money immediately. How do the figures skew if you invest the money? Even assuming a modest return? I have one stock account that earned 12.8% last year... 

Good point. And if you invest the money and it goes up, of course that would make a big difference.  My guess is 2% do that, just as only 2% wait until they're 70 to start collecting.  Most falang I know spend everything every month.

 

I've started the book and the author says if you don't need the money, wait.  You don't know how long you're going to live- and it could be much longer than you suppose.  If you are fortunate enough to live a long time, you'll be glad to have the extra money- $600 a month extra in my example.  My father lived to 93 and if I do the same, I'd be collecting this extra money for (93-78) 15 years!  Let's see...$600 x 12 months x 15 years is... a whole lot of moola!  Now let's suppose I don't live all that long.  I might just break even- or even collect less money.  If I view it as insurance, I won't get upset because I didn't cash in bigtime. (When you have auto insurance, you don't get upset because you didn't have an accident that enabled you to collect.)  Anyway, I'd be dead!

 

So, in sum: If you need the money to live here- or there- and that's important to you, start collecting now.  But if you don't, consider waiting, think of it as insurance, and start collecting at 70 or at least at your full retirement age of 66.

[Pib]

4 hours ago, Jeffrey346 said:

I couple of years ago I tried to change my address on the SSA website but could not. I called SSA and was told once my SSA account is setup, I can not access the SSA website from abroad for security reasons.

I have not tried to get on the SSA site since and don't know if this is still the case..

No problem accessing your Social Security online account from outside the U.S...no VPN required.  Both the wife and I access our accounts no problem from here in Bangkok.   Accessed mine just today for the XX time.

 

They probably meant you need a U.S. address when initially creating your online account.   But once established you can access it from outside the U.S. also.

 

Edited January 25, 2017 by Pib

[wpcoe]

Timely topic for me as I turn 62 in May and want to start collecting on 01-June-2017.

 

I went to the mySocialSecurity sign-up page and it requires a US mailing address.  If I sign up with a US mailing address now, does that in any way affect my ability to apply for SS benefits from Thailand next month (I see on another site I need to be 61 and 9 months old to apply)?

 

FYI, the ssa.gov web sites gave "DNS not found" errors until I used a VPN.  Ironically the VPN connecting is using a Singapore server.  Thailand DNS server no, but Singapre DNS server yes? 

 

@Pib, just noticed your post.  Do you use the default DNS servers for your ISP?  Or, do you manually specify DNS servers like Google, OpenDNS, etc?

[1FinickyOne]

42 minutes ago, stockmktgenius said:

Good point. And if you invest the money and it goes up, of course that would make a big difference.  My guess is 2% do that, just as only 2% wait until they're 70 to start collecting.  Most falang I know spend everything every month.

 

I've started the book and the author says if you don't need the money, wait.  You don't know how long you're going to live- and it could be much longer than you suppose.  If you are fortunate enough to live a long time, you'll be glad to have the extra money- $600 a month extra in my example.  My father lived to 93 and if I do the same, I'd be collecting this extra money for (93-78) 15 years!  Let's see...$600 x 12 months x 15 years is... a whole lot of moola!  Now let's suppose I don't live all that long.  I might just break even- or even collect less money.  If I view it as insurance, I won't get upset because I didn't cash in bigtime. (When you have auto insurance, you don't get upset because you didn't have an accident that enabled you to collect.)  Anyway, I'd be dead!

 

So, in sum: If you need the money to live here- or there- and that's important to you, start collecting now.  But if you don't, consider waiting, think of it as insurance, and start collecting at 70 or at least at your full retirement age of 66.

It is an interesting equation to manipulate as we all live our lives differently. I did not need the $ particularly but began taking it anyway at 62... interesting figure about 2% only saving it and that does make sense. I guess one rationale would say that 7% a year is a pretty good return and if I could lock that in today I would commit a good % of funds there.... that whole lotta moola would be an extra $100,000 for you, but that might be 25-30 years, and we should consider inflation too, but there are COLA adjustments as well... but is there more marginal utility for you in having extra money when you are younger and might enjoy it more? 

 

I think there are many things beyond % that should be factored in... I know, for me, taking the money early was a good idea, though my reasons would not likely apply to a large % of people... 

[Pib]

15 minutes ago, wpcoe said:

Timely topic for me as I turn 62 in May and want to start collecting on 01-June-2017.

 

I went to the mySocialSecurity sign-up page and it requires a US mailing address.  If I sign up with a US mailing address now, does that in any way affect my ability to apply for SS benefits from Thailand next month (I see on another site I need to be 61 and 9 months old to apply)?

 

FYI, the ssa.gov web sites gave "DNS not found" errors until I used a VPN.  Ironically the VPN connecting is using a Singapore server.  Thailand DNS server no, but Singapre DNS server yes? 

 

@Pib, just noticed your post.  Do you use the default DNS servers for your ISP?  Or, do you manually specify DNS servers like Google, OpenDNS, etc?

I use Google DNS as my primary and OpenDNS as my secondary DNS.   But I have have also used the default True and AIS DNS servers.

Never had a problem accessing the Social Security online website from Thailand....no VPN connection required.

 

You don't need an online account to apply for social security benefits.  You can apply online or through Manila.

[wpcoe]

19 minutes ago, wpcoe said:

 

I went to the mySocialSecurity sign-up page and it requires a US mailing address.  If I sign up with a US mailing address now, does that in any way affect my ability to apply for SS benefits from Thailand next month (I see on another site I need to be 61 and 9 months old to apply)?

 

Whoops.  Just realized I already have a mySocialSecurity registered account, so never mind.  I have no idea if I used a US or foreign address when I signed up several years ago, so I guess I'll cross that bridge in February.

[wpcoe]

4 minutes ago, Pib said:

I use Google DNS as my primary and OpenDNS as my secondary DNS.   But I have have also used the default True and AIS DNS servers.

Never had a problem accessing the Social Security online website from Thailand....no VPN connection required.

 

You don't need an online account to apply for social security benefits.  You can apply online or through Manila.

Well, the default 3BB DNS servers aren't as talented as True and AIS, apparently. 

 

As just mentioned I already have an existing online account.  How would I apply online without using it?

[Pib]

1 minute ago, wpcoe said:

Well, the default 3BB DNS servers aren't as talented as True and AIS, apparently. 

 

As just mentioned I already have an existing online account.  How would I apply online without using it?

You don't apply online via your online account.

 

You apply at the online application webpage.

https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib

 

Don't confuse applying online with your online account....two different animals.

 

[Dan5]

1 hour ago, wpcoe said:

Timely topic for me as I turn 62 in May and want to start collecting on 01-June-2017.

 

I went to the mySocialSecurity sign-up page and it requires a US mailing address.  If I sign up with a US mailing address now, does that in any way affect my ability to apply for SS benefits from Thailand next month (I see on another site I need to be 61 and 9 months old to apply)?

 

FYI, the ssa.gov web sites gave "DNS not found" errors until I used a VPN.  Ironically the VPN connecting is using a Singapore server.  Thailand DNS server no, but Singapre DNS server yes? 

 

@Pib, just noticed your post.  Do you use the default DNS servers for your ISP?  Or, do you manually specify DNS servers like Google, OpenDNS, etc?

My address with SS is in Thailand and has been  collecting SS for years. No problem. And they have pages of information on collecting SS in a foreign country.