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Can I move to Thailand on SSDI while considering a workation or classes without risking my benefits?

Mar 6, 2025
4 days ago
Hello! Trying to figure out the best way to come to Thailand on SSDI. I am 35 years old. I have 85k USD in savings and get 3k a month. Can I go the workation route? I'm scared that if I go the Muay Thai or learning to cook route. It will get back to Social Security and I will lose it. Appreciate any guidance on the matter!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user inquiring about moving to Thailand with SSDI benefits is exploring options like a workation or classes, concerned about potential risks to their benefits. While several commenters provide insights on eligibility and what activities could affect SSDI, including opinions on medical treatment in Thailand versus work, the overall conversation highlights the importance of understanding visa types and maintaining compliance with SSDI rules while living abroad.
Alain ***************
Maybe you ha some chronic illness to treat in Thailand and apply for medical soft power like i did
Rio ******
How would it get back to them? Thailand isn't going to report. They just want your money.
Jack ********
If you’re own SSDI and can’t work you have no business in Thailand. Hope you scammers get looked at by DOGE.
Ronnie ***************
Do medical
Ron ******
Medical
David ********
I’m on disability pension so I did soft power medical. Not sure how your disability pension works but with mine I get reimbursed for medical treatment overseas. So I get physio here for my crook back.
Christopher ********
You can’t lose ssdi for cooking class. You could for working tho bc they could evaluate your SGA
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
Apologies, what is SGA?
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant substantial gainful activity used for ability to work evaluation
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
I see! No I don't work I just collect. I'm trying to figure out what DTV route to go. Wasn't sure if SSDI qualified me for the workstion route.
Kool *******
Anonymous participant here is a route if you are serious, and want to live here the rest of your life. First, enroll in university, and go to school to fluently learn Thai language, and to an extent formal history, and culture. This will at the very least give you formal language skills and cultural understanding at the Thai level. A good talent to have if living here, and in no way will it affect your SSDI. You can do this for 4 years, as long as you pass your classes. During this time, and I am assuming you are single, you will meet many educated single Thai women. If you get married you can get a long term marriage visa extension, and have serious non-judgemental companionship, and realistically for the rest of your life, and it will not affect your SSDI at all. Even with a disability you are very valuable as husband material, and it doesn't affect your SSDI. At the very least it gives you four years to act on the options you find for long term stay here. The DTV is not your best option at this point.
Christopher ********
Anonymous participant no because you aren’t working….
Bob **********
Depends on your disability Thailand is not disabled friendly but if your considering Muay Thai you must not be physically disabled so you got to find the visa that fits your needs
Anonymous ******************
Are you sure you are eligible for SSDI if you live abroad?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 829 Yes. Many people live abroad on SSDI.