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What are the best practices for managing Social Security payments while living in Thailand?
Social SecurityExpatriate BankingDirect DepositThailandUS AddressTaxationVisa IssuesInternational Banking
Feb 10, 2024
2 years ago
Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTERQuestion for those receiving social security from the United States in Thailand Do you maintain a US address of record? Direct deposit to US Bank and then transfer to Thai bank? Trying to get things in order for my move in about 2 yrs.
TLDR : Answer Summary
This discussion explores the best practices for managing Social Security payments while living as an expatriate in Thailand. Many participants share experiences regarding the maintenance of a US address for funding and banking, with some opting for banking solutions like Charles Schwab that offer favorable terms for expats. There's also discussion on direct deposit options into Thai bank accounts and the possible implications of living abroad on Social Security benefits. Suggestions include using family addresses or mail forwarding services to maintain a US address and ensuring reliable access to funds without complications from US financial institutions.
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Shayne **********
To help with Tax planning, talk with
@American *****************************
@https://www.facebook********************
Graham ******
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Charles *********
I just use my Mom's address and I have direct deposited from social security bank of Bangkok Manhattan to my Thai bank. I receive Baht, whereas, one could receive dollars in This bank...given the market ?
Michael ************
I have USAA bank a d my ss goes in it. Then I use Remitly to transfer what I need. Takes seconds and costs $1.95 to send to my bk bank
John *********
I kept my US home and I have a Thailand home. I direct deposit to my US bank and after that I can do what I want with it. I can access my money anywhere anytime, but I brought US dollars for my 6 month stay.
Nick **********
Reading through the comments, all I can say, is that I have been in Thailand since 2010, started my S.S. in 2010, used U.S. Direct Express card until Thailand/U.S. forged an agreement for direct deposit to a Thai bank account. Have not been to the U.S. in almost 6 years and get all Social Security mail to my address here in Thailand. Once a year, usually in June, I receive by mail the "are you alive" letter, promptly check the boxes, sign it and send to U. S. via Thai postal, with tracking option.
Never had a problem. Also, for those doing direct deposit, we get our S. S. On the 3rd of each month.
Never had a problem. Also, for those doing direct deposit, we get our S. S. On the 3rd of each month.
Dan *****
@Nick *********
these people in all these comments are making it way to difficult. You’re absolutely right finally some common sense. Reply to
Dan *****
Reply
Kenny ******************
Due to the possible tax policies coming in the near future, you may not want to have money coming into a banking system./account here. No, the tax treaty between the U.S. and Thailand may not include your S.S. or other pensions for tax purposes. But money you are transferring into Thailand may be categorized differently than income. Just have to wait and see how this all plays out. Whether or not those on 12 month retirement extensions (Non-0 visa) have to obtain a Thai tax ID is yet to be determined.
John *******
@Kenny *****************
SS deposits direct to my BB account and is covered under the agreement.Reply to
John *******
Reply
Kenny ******************
I have a private mail box and forwarding service on Guam. Have had since 2016. This is for banking, Social Security, etc. Banks and credit unions will not send renewal/replacement Visa debit/credit cards to a foreign address. I use credit cards/debit cards whenever possible for day to day shopping. Then pay my cards via online banking, transferring money between accounts. No need to have money sent to Thailand. Only use ATM to get money for rent/utilities and night time extra activities. if youa are retired U.S. military, you can have an APO AP address and get your mail at the JUSMAG compound near the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. Otherwise, you can rent a mail box here in Pattaya or Bangkok at one of the many Mail Boxes Etc. outliets. I did this for several years before the pandemic.
Tony **********
@Kenny *****************
interesting ..nfcu has branch thereReply to
Tony **********
Reply
Joe *********
I get it to my USA bank then transfer as needed using Wise
David *********
Best to get a special “Direct Deposit” account and have SS deposit’s your money directly into that account. SS is not taxed in Thailand. But you may have to prove the source.
Keith *******
@David ********
It will still be taxed by Uncle Sam though.Dave ********
@Keith ******
only if you make over a certain amount.Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Keith ******
SS alone will not be taxed. If you have other income then SS will have a percentage taxed. There are limits.Reply to
Gene *********
Reply
Mike *******
In case you didn’t know it, Tricare has an overseas coverage now!!!
Kenny ******************
@Mike ******
A few private hospitals will bill Tricare direclty 75% for in-patient care. Out-patient care is paid up front 100%,, then you submit your claims via online claim portal. Takes about 3-4 weeks to process for 75% reimbursement via direct deposit into your U.S. bank account. Bumrungrad in Bangkok; Bangkok Hospital here in Pattaya, and possibly Bangkok Hospital in Bangkok do bill direclty 75% for in=patient care. Bangkok Hospital here in Pattaya also bills VA FMP directly 100% for sevice-connnected treatment. There is also a medical clinic on Pratumnak Hill, Patttay which is contracted by the VA FMP via a private company to treat service-connected conditions. Examinations, physical therapy and massage treatment is offered.Kenny ******************
My military pension also no problem with DOD Finance. Online access to my pay account is authenticated via email. Two of my credit cards from the U.S.A mainland also use email for entering 'code' to access my online accounts.
Kenny ******************
The above applied also to while I lived in the Philippines for 16 months last year and part of 2022.
Kenny ******************
My pensions, Social Security and VA go into bank of Hawaii branch and two credit unions on Guam. Never a problem with online banking. Bank and the credit unions occassionally call my Thai mobile number for authentication when I attempt to log into my online accounts. And every few months, I contact the bank on skype or use my online access to notify of travel in Thailand or Philippines, or the U.S.A.
Kenny ******************
Having a bank account, mailing address (private box or P.O.) qualfies as resident of Guam. For REAL ID driver's licsense since its inception back in 2020, I used my physical address because I was residing and working during
***
of the pandemic period on Guam.Kenny ******************
I have maintained a Guam (U.S. territory) license since 2016, renew every 5 years. I fly to Guam once or twice a year for short stays to take care of in-person banking, visit friends, check in with my private mail box and forwarding service.
Tiffannie *********
@Kenny *****************
do you still have a us driver's license? How do you keep that current with out coming back to the states? Thanks in advanceMike *******
Thank you Kenny, I need that info as I haven’t used it yet!!
Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
Keith *******
@Mike ******
I'm Civil Service Retiree not Military. I have BCBS Federal and Medicare A/B currently.Mike *******
Does it cover you in Thailand?
Reply to
Mike *******
Reply
John ******
Deposit to US bank and transfer as much as you want, when you want, where you want. (WISE.com)
No US address or special Thai bank account needed.
No US address or special Thai bank account needed.
Dca *****
recommend using a Thai address for Direct Deposit into a Thai bank account
Glenn *****
Yes
Dean ***********
Yes and yes
John *******
I went through the Phillipines US Embassy. They handled my address in Thailand and my Thailand bank account for transfer of SS payments.
Dan *****
@John ******
you can just switch your direct deposit information online. Check it out. 🤷John *******
@Dan ****
If u are and live in Thailand, you cannot.Dan *****
@John ******
you can absolutely change your direct deposit information online in less than five minutesDan *****
@John ******
I was in my Social Security account online just a few hours ago and they had an option to change your direct deposit information to any international banking account so you’re wrong John *******
@Dan ****
Really! And your address is in America? Then SS Phillipines need to update thier information on their site.Dan *****
@John ******
I was just checking that out today I had the same question you did and there it was right in my Social Security account one click away easy option to change your direct deposit John *******
@Dan ****
I am still trying to get back into the system but it requiresuires a lot of documents to verify who I am. SS Phillipinesbelow.Dan *****
@John ******
You know what once you have a Social Security account I wonder if you can change your banking information over the phone because they do ask you security questions to verify who you are ?John *******
@Dan ****
They refer me to the Phillipines. Yes. They are fast over the phone. But I can do it at the bank also. It may take longer but I can wait. Tired of having to go to BB to get money out every month.Dan *****
@John ******
yeah, I get it when I eventually retire over in Thailand I just want it directly deposit into my Thai account and be done with it John *******
@Dan ****
This what I found previously. I just wanted to verify that they changed my Thai address. Not available outside the US: changing direct deposit.Dan *****
@John ******
yeah it says it’s not available if you’re not a US citizen I thought we were talking about US citizens?John *******
@Dan ****
I have to use ID.Me as I live outside the US.Dan *****
@John ******
I have to use that every time I login in the United StatesJohn *******
@Dan ****
I have changed my address on my proof of life forms 3 times and no changes. I have tryed to change it 3 times using the US SS online query forms 3 times but my SS and IRS mail goes still goes to my old address. I thinkthey have not gotten thier stuff together on this!Dan *****
@John ******
yeah that’s definitely a worrisome situation. It should not be that difficult it’s ridiculous. John *******
@Dan ****
ID me requires your address on various crap to validate u. Had to make a change of address on my phone bill and bank statement.Dan *****
@John ******
yeah, I didn’t run into that problem,Just sent a code to my phone that was it. John *******
@Dan ****
And u live in Thailand right?Dan *****
@John ******
i’m not sure what happens if you live in Thailand you might have to use a VPN Dan *****
@John ******
nope United StatesJohn *******
@Dan ****
And u ate planning on retirimg here in Thailand?Dan *****
@John ******
yes in two yearsJohn *******
So, your address will not match up with SS once u open your account here right?
Dan *****
@John ******
yes you’re right but I’ll have to get a hold of Social Security and change it. Hopefully I can do that over the phone after I get my account and my new address.John *******
@Dan ****
And u will get proof of residence from the US embassy or Thai immigration to open your account right?Dan *****
@John ******
I will go through a visa agent and I won’t have to do anythingJohn *******
@Dan ****
Changing your address if you are not a US citizen. Otherwise, if you are a US citizen and have an address outside the US, you cannot change your direct deposit. I only want to use it to verify that my address has been changed and it has not for the past 2 years. For me to change my direct deposit, I have to go through the bank or through US Social Security in the Phillipines.Dan *****
@John ******
You know what my apologies you might be right it looks like when you first sign up you can use the international banking information, you might be able to change it over the phone I’m not sure but like I say I apologize you could be rightDan *****
@John ******
give me a few minutes I’ll go in my account take a pic and upload itDan *****
@John ******
yeah it doesn’t matter where you’re at. You can change your direct deposit information online and it doesn’t matter if it’s a international accountReply to
Dan *****
Reply
John *******
@Dan ****
Are u talking about my social security?Reply to
John *******
Reply
Steve **********
@John ******
I can't recall a lot, but it was the Philippines SS office that facilitated my DD to Bangkok Bank in 02Do recall, easy to reach , very helpful, gave me his mobile if any problem.
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Al ********
I’d keep your bank account active in America and not let them know you live in Thailand. My bank reimburse atm fees monthly.
Brian ********
@Al *******
just a heads up, if all your ATM withdrawals are in Thailand and all your transfers are to a bank in Thailand, your bank will figure it out and freeze you. Best to go with an expat friendly bank like Schwab, Fidelity or USAA if you are a vet.George *************
@Brian *******
They can certainly do that. I've been doing that with my Schwab account for about 7 years and no problem. But there could be a problem in the future. Just because they don't care today doesn't mean they won't care one day.Reply to
George *************
Reply
John ******
@Al *******
What bank does that? I would love to have thatAl ********
@John *****
service credit unionGeorge *************
@John *****
Charles Schwab is one.Dennis *********
@George ************
i think schwab is a brokerage and not a traditional bankGeorge *************
@Dennis ********
***************************
Dennis *********
@George ************
yes your link agrees it's linked to your brokerage account so not really a bankGeorge *************
@Dennis ********
It's a checking account at a bank. You also get a brokerage account which costs nothing and you don't need to use.What service do you expect from a bank that you think the Charles Schwab Bank won't provide?
Reply to
George *************
Reply
Keith *******
Not aware of any restrictions about living overseas and drawing your Social Security. We are looking at moving back to the Chiang Mai area in about two years. Have been gathering information for this. I plan on keeping my Navy Federal Credit Union Account which my retirement check currently goes. Should get my first Social Security check this month. Have been looking at mail forwarding companies to assist with a U.S. address and I also don't want to continue paying State Tax in Virginia if I don't have to. A lot of stuff to do. 😉
Tony **********
@Keith ******
nfcu has branch in guam..several trip from bangmokKenny ******************
@Keith ******
No restrictions. Only problem is having a reliable mail service to receive your annual letter from Social Security to verify your status. If not sent in with your signature by 30 - 60 days or so. your monthy benefit will stop. To restart, you'd have to contact the Social Securty office in the U,S. Embasssy, Manila, Philippines to coordinate getting a replacement form to fill out and restart your deposit. You are suppose to notify Social Security within 10 days of your physical presense outside of the U.S.A. or its territories. I used to have (before the pandemic) a Mail Boxes Etc. address in Bangkok for several years. Social Security would send the annual letter and other correspondence to that address. Since the pandemic. I've gone to the S.S. office on Guam and had them enter my Guam private mail box address. Haven't received any annual letters since.Steve **********
@Keith ******
welcome back to Chiangmsi...you don't need a US address and Banking here is tedious but reliable.Pensions and SS can be DD into your Thai Bank
Lloyd ****
@Keith ******
look into South Dakota residence very easy and no state taxesStacey ****************
@Lloyd ***
my beautiful state may not be so welcoming in near future. RINOs and Democrats trying to end folks freedom to call SD home. There is a place called My Home in Emery, SD that does a great
Job.
****************************
Reply to
Stacey ****************
Reply
Stacey ****************
@Keith ******
get the NFCU rewards credit cards. You can use them in many places here and they give you whatever the current international exchange rate is for Dollar to Baht.Keith *******
@Stacey ***************
Good to know, that's the one I have.Stacey ****************
@Keith ******
their service has really gone down🤦🏻♂️ Some scammer in USA managed to compromise mine in late Dec and just getting a replacement for my VISA now🤦🏻♂️Keith *******
@Stacey ***************
Had my account hacked on new years day. They made off with a significant sum from my money market account. NFCU was all over it and restored all the money stolen. Had an account there since 1976 and have been very satisfied with the service. As well as the ****
phone access.Stacey ****************
@Keith ******
service has gone down hill. Waiting times, lax responses, they opened up to too many and didn’t have services or staff keep up. It’s Feb 12th and I’m waiting for a replacement of my main credit card since the end of Dec.
Not the first time I’ve experienced such poor service in the last 5 years.
Keith *******
@Stacey ***************
Sorry to hear that. I've always been happy with NFCU even overseas and have had the opposite experience with them. Don't know why it's taking so long with your Credit Card. I had a both a new Credit Card and Debit Card in less than a week. I can call them ****
and get assistance and never have to wait more than 15 mins for a person to speak with.Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Brad *******
@Keith ******
may help to read up on last state of residence ...and establishing residence in a non income tax state before you move. Not sure about virginia but California and a few other states are really strict and do audits to enable them to keep taxing you even after you move.Keith *******
@Brad ******
Couldn't pay me to live in California, have moved in and out of Virginia several times over the years. Usually no issue with them. But thanks for the heads up anyway. My issue is, why am I paying you tax if I'm getting no benefit from State services? Looking at Texas since most of what's left of my family are in New Mexico and Colorado.George *************
@Brad ******
Established domicile in Florida before moving to Thailand. Completely eliminates state income tax issues. There are seven other states without state income tax:********************************************************************************************
%20of%*****
******
-states-with-no-income-tax.aspx#:~:text=As%20of%202023%2C%20Alaska%2C%20Florida,levy%20a%20state%20income%20tax.Reply to
George *************
Reply
Beverly **********
@Keith ******
Ditto! I am also planning to retire in Chiang Mai, Thailand. And there are a LOT of US expats retired there. They certainly don't have much trouble getting their Social Security whilst living abroad.Reply to
Beverly **********
Reply
Marty *********
Social Security has my Thai address but my benefits are deposited into my US bank. My US bank has my sister’s US address.
Brian ********
I have a Schwab account. I will give them my Thai address once I move. I will keep the same account and have all my pensions go into it, including my SS. You do not need to maintain a physical US address, and I would worry about them being more likely to cancel you (the bank) once they figure out you don't live there. How? If you go all year withdrawing money in Thailand only and regularly transfer money into a Thai account without spending or withdrawing a cent in the US. Get a Schwab account. You'll be glad you did.
Kenny ******************
@Brian *******
Some banks may cancel your account. But others won't. As long as you maintain a mailing address in the U.S.A. for correspondence and sending of replacement/renewal debit/credit cards. I have Bank of Hawaii and 2 credit unions. I normally update via online banking travel notifications every 2-3 months. No problems since 2012.Dan *****
@Kenny *****************
you’re not getting it what people are trying to say is it’s very difficult to keep that home address especially after you sell and move don’t you get it 🤷Kenny ******************
Only making a suggestion. May not work for everyone.
Kenny ******************
But for important bank, government mail, I ghink a private maul box snd forwarding service like Mail Boxes Etc. would suffice. However, some banks may catch onto this and give notice closing your account.
Kenny ******************
@Dan ****
ok. I understand the situation of one completely sells out snd loses a physical address.Reply to
Kenny ******************
Reply
Brian ********
@Kenny *****************
again, Schwab and others are fine with an overseas address. Not worried there. I honestly have no need for a US address and since I have no family the only way to get one is virtual, and banks are getting wise to that.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Keith *******
@Brian *******
I would need a new U.S. address so that I don't have to continue paying Virginia State tax once we leave the U.S. They actually came after me when I was stationed at the Embassy in Paris in the 80's. Had to prove I had permanent residence in New Mexico. Also need a residence to maintain a U.S. drivers license.Brian ********
@Keith ******
I have no need for a license and California doesn't tax my retirement.Todd **********
@Brian *******
AmenReply to
Todd **********
Reply
Bob **********
@Brian *******
just set up wise transfer ever month and it will work for your visa extensionBrian ********
@Bob *********
not much to worry there, I'm on an Elite I picked up before the price increase.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Brian ********
Also, I will have a Thai bank account, so if it does happen I'll just use that. Already checked with my pension, and if necessary they will direct deposit to a foreign bank.
Todd **********
@Brian *******
That’s what you doReply to
Todd **********
Reply
George *************
@Brian *******
In general you would not want to let your US financial institutions know that you are living outside of the US. Use your US mailing address instead. Having a non-US resident customer can cause problems for US financial institutions that may be solved by the US financial institution closing your account or placing restrictions on your account.Todd **********
@George ************
well if your moving for good screw the USA bank just set your initial direct deposit through SS to your Thai bank account that you open.George *************
@Todd *********
don't burn bridges you don't have to. My US bank accounts cost me nothing to maintain. Some things are very convenient to do with US accounts. Difficult to open an account in the US when you no longer reside there. No one can see the future, plans change.Reply to
George *************
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Brian ********
That said, I won't have a US mailing address. Really no need.
Brian ********
@George ************
Charles Schwab is fine with it. They actually advertise to expatsReply to
Brian ********
Reply
Brad *******
@Brian *******
With a thai address eventually you might have to opt for the Schwab international banking account. This is what they told me over the phone.Brian ********
@Brad ******
that's fine. It only restricts what you can invest in, and I'm not a big investor anyhow.Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brian *******
Thanks. I have heard about Schwab being a good bank to use for international banking plus the ATM fees.Robert ********
@Gene ********
you keep hearing? State your source.. best to deal with facts and pay attention to the great people in this groupReply to
Robert ********
Reply
Tk *******
As a follow up, I’ve heard that to keep your social security from being denied, you need to spend at least one month in the USA twice a year. Please advise if this is true or there’s a way around it.
Todd **********
@Tk ******
That is not trueTk *******
@Todd *********
Elaborate……Todd **********
@Tk ******
Have your SS direct deposited into a Thai bank account that’s alls you have to doReply to
Todd **********
Reply
Tom *********
@Tk ******
You can live outside the country as long as you want to and collectSteve **********
@Tk ******
Not true, it's not SS money, it's yours, it's paid until you pass.Steve **********
I dont maintain an address, and but for 1 trip for Obama Innaug have been here over 20 yrs. SS and Pension DD to Thai Bank.
Never a problem.
Never a problem.
Dan *****
@Gene ********
that statement says it only applies to non-US citizens 🤷Todd **********
@Gene ********
You don’t have toReply to
Todd **********
Reply
Dean ***********
@Tk ******
noBob **********
@Tk ******
not trueMary ********
@Tk ******
not true. I haven't been to the US in years. I applied for SS from Australia once I reached age and it was approved. I do however maintain an Australian address and bank though I now live in Thailand. My caseworker never indicated that I had to visit the US at all.Dave **********
@Tk ******
Not ture for US Social Security.Kool *******
@Tk ******
I haven't been back to the US in 13 years, and it hasn't affected my SS at all. My Thai address is also where they send my mail to, no problem. I do not need any US address, and am not required to be in the US at all for even one day. You have been fed false information.Joe *********
@Kool ******
be careful, some banks and brokerage houses will not deal with you if you only have a Thai address and many are now checking to make sure you are not using a mail forwarding service. I maintain a residence in Florida to avoid this issue.Kool *******
@Joe ********
my banks know where I live, and send to my address in Thailand no problems at all.Dan *****
@Joe ********
that’s why you have your Social Security direct deposited in a Thai bank. Problem solved. Reply to
Dan *****
Reply
John **********
@Kool ******
is your Thai address a PO Box? US citizen here and I’m thinking of moving there myself. Just yes or no would be really helpful. Cheers. Kool *******
@John *********
no, my address in Thailand is my condo address.Reply to
Kool *******
Reply
Tk *******
@Kool ******
Wow thanks for the very insightful knowledge. This is all very helpful information. Thanks so muchReply to
Tk *******
Reply
Frank **********
@Tk ******
not true. If you told Social Security you are moving overseas every year you have to verify with them that you are still alive. They have a form that you send to them for this.Marty *********
@Frank *********
There is a big difference between physically being in the US and simply returning the proof of life form that Social Security will send to your Thai address.Frank **********
@Marty ********
I know that. What I was saying if he lives overseas and is a citizen he would need to submit that form but only if they know he is overseas. Or maybe I am missing something? Going by what I have heard.Marty *********
@Frank *********
You do have to return the proof life form. If you are using a US address then you have to know it arrived and have it forwarded to to you. I’ve never seen an option to submit the proof of life online. Some people will already be receiving SS in the US and then move to Thailand. Once someone gets settled here the it is a good idea to tell SS your new Thai address. Social Security totally supports Americans living long term overseas. Expats in Thailand are supposed to use the Social Security office in Manila, Philippines. That’s the office to which I send my Thailand address changes. Strangely though the proof of life letter must be returned to the US office using the envelope provided. I go to the expense of sending it using the Express Mail Service (EMS) which will also track the letter.Frank **********
@Marty ********
ok. I haven't done that.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Tk ******
you have heard wrongMarty *********
@Tk ******
You do not have to spend any time in the US. I’ve been on Social Security in Thailand since 2018. I was in Thailand four years during Covid and never in the US more than 2 weeks per year when visiting. I think other countries have rules such as you described but not the US.Tk *******
@Marty ********
thanks for some practical insight. Thanks very muchReply to
Tk *******
Reply
Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tk ******
In all the information I have gathered I never cane across that requirement. I do know that medicare will not cover outside the US and was advised by one retirement planner to try and keep paying medicare B incase you have to return to the states for care. When you return regular medicare will cover you in the states.Dennis ***********
@Gene ********
do you have to pay into Medicare if you’re residing outside the country and therefore not using it?Joe *********
@Dennis **********
no, I canceled my part b but will pay a lifetime penalty if I move back and sign back up. Don’t ask how much, Google it.Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dennis **********
Regular Medicare continues without paying but it will not cover you outside the US. To avoid the penalty and to have coverage incase you need to return to the US you can pay for part B monthly. Right now it is about $175 a month.Dennis ***********
@Gene ********
I get care from the VA. I think I’ll stick with that.Reply to
Dennis ***********
Reply
Tk *******
@Gene ********
So to be completely clear, one can collect SS indefinitely without returning to the US?Neal *******
@Tk ******
My wife receives SSA in Thailand and gets a yearly questionnaire making sure that she is alive. By the way, her benefit goes through the US Embassy Federal Benefits Unit in Manila. She has mistakenly opted out of Part B. I stopped complaining about trying to get through to SSA in Baltimore for my benefits, dealing with hers in Manila is a nightmare.James *********
@Neal ******
And I find it quite easy. ?????Tk *******
@Neal ******
thanks for your knowledgeable commentNeal *******
@Tk ******
you are welcome.Kool *******
@Tk ******
yesGene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tk ******
That is my understanding.Tk *******
@Gene ********
Hey Gene, one last question- I’ve heard the passport data bank triggers a notification to the SS dept if one stays out of the country longer than 6 months. Can you elaborate?Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tk ******
It would only apply to non US citizens .Tk *******
@Gene ********
thanks so much. That’s great newsBonnie *********
@Tk ******
Please check the SS website; that’s the official site for answers.Tk *******
@Bonnie ********
I wasn’t asking you for your adviceBonnie *********
@Tk ******
You were obviously asking for advice. Why would you not start with the official, as in they make the rules, website? Seems rather silly to ask people when the organization has the answers.Tk *******
@Bonnie ********
ok 👍🏼Gene *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tk ******
If you are not a US citizen your payments will stop after 6 months and you have to return to the US for an entire month before benefits start again. The wording says you must be in the US from the first minute of the month until the last. US citizens receive payments indefinitely and do not have to return. Thailand is listed as one of the countries that can have payments sent to.Reply to
Gene *********
Reply
Kool *******
I have mine direct deposited into my Thai bank account. It works very well.
Cary ******
That’s what I’d recommend. Use a family members address or even a mail service address. Schwab banking and you can withdraw your money from any ATM and have the fees credited back to your account each month.
Reply to
Cary ******
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