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What do I need to know about submitting SSA Form 7162 while living in Thailand?

SSA Form 7162 Social Security Benefits Living in Thailand Visa Requirements Expat Life in Thailand U.S. Citizens Abroad

Sep 21, 2025

5 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am planning on moving to Thailand from the USA and today I was warmed being on SSA that there is a form 7162 that needs to be submitted regularly otherwise the US will take your benefits.

Anyone submitting this form?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When planning to move to Thailand from the USA, it's important to be aware that you may need to submit SSA Form 7162 regularly to maintain your Social Security benefits. Many expats have discussed their experiences with this form and various strategies for handling U.S. residency requirements while living in Thailand. Tips include maintaining a U.S. address for correspondence, ensuring you have the correct visa before arriving in Thailand, and being proactive in dealing with any required bureaucratic tasks like engaging with local banks.

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Gerg **********

It’s a “proof of life” form. No big deal. Just don’t ignore it. Send it back, or you’ll get your benefits stopped. You won’t lose them, but it will be a pain to get them going again.

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I found the submission dates on the US embassy for Spain.

Thank you all for your input.

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Bill *****

I've seen other posts where people are reporting to the Philippines where there is an SSA office. You can send them an email with your questions.

*******************************************************************************

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Dylan ********

Can you get a PO Box?

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DWilliam ******

be careful us banks don’t always like P.O. Boxes

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DWilliam ******

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Eric **********

Take a quick trip to South Dakota and change your address to there. They have services all set for just that. Register to vote and drivers license. Easy I have a buddy that did it. Wish I had!

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William ***********

@Eric *********

I did this. I am one of thousands of people who live at the KOA in Spearfish. The locals that actually live there don’t like us voting in their local elections tho.

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Eric **********

@William **********

If I take a trip back Im going to do this for sure!👍

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Eric **********

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Melissa *********

Be sure to come to Thailand with correct visa. Coming as a tourist and trying to sort out visa after landing is not a good idea anymore. As soon as you land, start the process for opening the bank account in Thailand quickly so you can do your transfer of 800,000 Thb which you will likely need for your visa to have extension of stay.

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Beverly ***************

@Melissa ********

I agree 💯.

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Beverly ***************

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Brad ************

If you plan on moving to Thailand you need to be able to find solutions and not excuses.

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brad ***********

for sure! Every day I find out something new.

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Tom ******

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Cary ******

If you show a permanent address in the US (family member usually) it’s a moot point.

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

that’s easier said than done. Been trying for the last six months. They do not recognize me when I try to login. They don’t answer their phone ,don’t allow visitors and don’t respond via text or email. If I could figure out when they send out the forms.

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Wayne ********

go to your local US congressman’s office Explain your frustration and I’m sure one of his aids will be able to help you sort it out.

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Cary ******

ouch..

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Cary ******

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

no family to receive any mail in the US.

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Robert *****

You can send it by Fedex or UPS or Express Mail or drop it in the box at the US Embassy/Consulate and they'll forward it along to the US. It's not the end of the world.

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Cary ******

then you’ll have to update your address with them. I was under the impression that not all mail was suspended, just over certain values. I’ve also heard of others living in Thailand dealing with the SSA in Manila PI.

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Cary ******

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Braulio *********

It is inaccurate to state "the US will take your benefits"

Information on the form and how to return it are set out on the SSA website

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Braulio ********

I have found the form and where to mail it. How is the US going to find me to send me the form? If I don’t receive it from the US they will stop my benefits. So how do I make sure they can find me?

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Bob **********

keep a US address and bank account and no worries

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

for sure keep the US bank account but unable to update a US address. Got a couple of months to keep trying to work this out. Amazing more of a hassle dealing with the US government now!

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Sean **********

most banks that I am aware of require you to have a US address otherwise they may close your account

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William ***********

set yourself up with a South Dakota residency. It’s easy. Spend 1 night and get a Personal Mailbox from one of a few companies doing this. Go to the DMV and get a drivers license. You will then be an official resident of South Dakota. No state income tax.

The mailbox company will let you know when you receive mail. Then you decide to open and scan, shred or have forwarded somewhere. $150 a year plus any added expenses over the monthly mail allowance.

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Bob **********

Been here 15 years use my brothers address and my checks are deposited in my bank and I transfer every month using Wise which is a must to get your yearly extension at immigration,never got a letter

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Bob **********

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J **************

Everyone that “officially”resides in Thailand

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Tom ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@J *************

so what time of the year do you receive this form and does it come to your Thai address? Are you able to send it to the US since mail has been stopped?

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Tom ******

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