What are the Social Security rules for a US expat married to a Thai woman?

Social Security Thai Spouse US Expat Visa Rules Immigration US Citizenship Child Benefits Marriage to Thai National

May 9, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am curious and want to ask a question for expats from the US, that have married Thai women. What are the specific rules concerning social security and a Thai spouse? I've done some research but I'm still not quite clear and I'd like to hear from anyone that has married a Thai lady and is on social security. It says that they have to live in the US for 5 years, although they're not consecutive. And what if you then died? Would she get a portion of your social security? Especially if she had a child under 16 years old? 

Not looking for anybody to tell me Don't get involved with a Thai lady here. Please, don't want to hear that. Just want to know about the question and I appreciate you sticking to that topic.

Thank you.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation centers around the Social Security eligibility of a Thai spouse married to a US citizen, particularly focusing on the implications of residency requirements, benefits for dependents, and what happens in the event of the US citizen's death. Participants share insights on living requirements for eligibility, how benefits are calculated, and the situation regarding children under 16, indicating that there may not be a five-year residency requirement for them. Additionally, they suggest contacting Social Security Administration for clarification due to varying interpretations among staff.

Bob *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry I guess I didn't make myself totally clear but I was talking about marrying a Thai lady. Not a US citizen. I saw that if the child is less than 16 there is no 5-year limit but I don't know for sure. Thanks.

6 months ago

John *******

@Bob ********

There is no 5 year limit for a Thai woman to recieve money for the child (must have us consulate proof of citizenship and SS number). Wife or US husband can recieve the money. I went for the mother to recieve the money but she did mot answer the phone call from the Phillipine US Embassy SS people. Then later her mom died and then I tryed but my daugjter's us passport expired.

5 months ago

Reply to

John *******

She must have lived in the US for 5 years in total. You must get your daoghter a US passport and then a ss number if you want to recieve money for her if u are drawing SS. Passport is only good for 5 years. Once she is 16, she can renew it herself. She can recieve ss until she is 18 or no longer in school or turns 20.

6 months ago

Jorge ****

Some of these specific cases are not published on gov booklets. Better to call the SS admin and ask them directly. Sometimes the staff at field offices don't even know.

6 months ago

Michael *********

I believe the spouse is eligible for the SS amount that is greatest between the two spouses. So if your SS is 1000 and your deceased spouse is 1500 then you would get 1500. I might be wrong but you can find out with a google search. Of course SS only kicks in when you reach eligible age. Good luck.

6 months ago

Reply to

Michael *********

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