What are the best ways for Americans on social security in Thailand to send yearly information on time despite slow mail services?

Sep 10, 2024
2 months ago
Curtis **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Are there any Americans on social security in Thailand that can advise how to send yearly information on time,the mail is so slow
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Americans on Social Security living in Thailand often face challenges with sending annual proof of life letters due to slow mail services. Several community members suggest using EMS mail or DHL for faster delivery, with costs around $30 to $1500 baht depending on the service. Others mention personal experiences with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the importance of timely responses to avoid benefits suspension. A few recommend having friends handle mailing or utilizing online forms and express services, though the latter still doesn't allow for full online processing of these requirements.
Mike *******
It cannot be completed on line. Unfortunately they are not that far advanced lol.

I had to do the questionnaire one year before I moved from Thailand after that and it was a mess.

I returned it same day by registered mail Thai Post . When USPS delivered it , it was scanned and signed for.

A few months later I received the form again with a letter saying the first one was never received. I called the social security number where the form was mailed to. Person confirmed first one was never received. So this time I sent it EMS Thai Post. It was then scanned delivered by USPS with a signature.

I called the office where it got delivered a few weeks later. The person insisted neither form was received and my payments could be stopped.

I then contacted the FBU at the US Embassy in Manila. Five days later I received an email. It said they contacted social security and they actually had both forms. The original I sent and the replacement one
Dave ********
Next year, I'm going to download the form, print it, fill it out, sign it, scan it, and email it home for family to mail it in. This last one, I got at my Thailand address (no doubt took 3 weeks to get to me) and mailed it to SSA (no doubt took another 3 weeks) and so far my SS deposit to Bangkok Bank hasn't stopped yet. I've hear horror stories though of people who SSA just stops sending payment and they had to contact SSA via Philippines or whatever to get it cleared up. Seems insane to me they can't manage an online process. Maybe the 86,000 new IRS employees to torment taxpayers would have been better used going to SSA.
Larry *******
Send express mail. It’s expensive. Two weeks and it costs 1500 baht. Another method is to give POA to someone in the us and have them fill it out and send it for a US postage stamp
Curtis **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My problem is that it’s DD to Bangkok bank and I don’t have anyone in the states
Bob **********
Can’t you do it on the website??
Curtis **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
unfortunately no, I am surprised that they don’t have that
Carlos *********
Yearly information?
Terary **********
Do you have any friends in the US that can handle it for you?

I use a mail service and claim I live in the US. The mail service will open the letter for you and send you photos. That may not be too much help but if you tell SS that you live with a friend, and that friend process the paperwork for you, you could buy them a steak dinner and save money on postage.
Roger *******
What is yearly proof of life letter? I've never heard of that?
Marty *********
@Roger ******
Once every year or two US Social Security sends me a letter to verify my address and ask if my eligibility has changed. Social Security has my address as being my Thai address but my SS benefit is deposited to a US bank. I don’t know it they do this to SS recipients in the US. If you don’t return the letter then they will suspend your SS benefit deposits to your bank. You can reinstate your benefits but you have to contact Social Security and the process could take months.

I had moved from Bangkok to Sisaket province two years ago. When I got the letter it said that it was their second attempt to contact me. I returned the form using Express Mail Service and never saw an interruption of my benefits.
Roger *******
@Marty ********
did you have any problem finding a Dr that will take your midicare?
Marty *********
@Roger ******
Medicare cannot be used overseas. I didn’t even sign up for Part B.

I have Thai health insurance and savings to use for any medical expenses not covered by my insurance (pre-existing conditions). Also healthcare here is very good and very inexpensive so some degree of self insurance makes sense here when it doesn’t make sense in the US.
Roger *******
@Marty ********
My Medicare say they will pay for emergency expenses anywhere in the world but since I know nothing about healthcare in Thailand, I thought maybe someone could point me in the right direction. How much does health ins. cost in Thailand?
Marty *********
@Roger ******
If you have some kind of private Medicare supplement then it is likely they will cover you on a reimbursement basis.

There is no simple answer to insurance costs. It will depend on your age, health status, amount of coverage, and the deductible.

I am 68 and my policy costs about $2,300 per year with $300,000 coverage and a $1,200 deductible. This is probably excessive coverage considering costs in Thailand.
Jon ********
Use DHL if in a hurry. Otherwise expect 2 to 4 weeks. And you can get tracking #.
Marty *********
If you are referring to the yearly proof of life letter, I return it using EMS mail. You can sort of track the envelope and it is much faster than regular mail. I think it costs about $30.
Jeff ********
Send it early
Ruud ******************
Mail is slow 🤣😂
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