Social Security Application in Thailand

My process on applying for benefits while living in Thailand.

[@debbiecrawford9953]

I have not signed up yet but I will. that was good information you talked about.

[@AmericanInThailand]

Great!

[@UTCM]

I applied online when I hit 62 , did it three months in advance no phone call nothing ... I just got my Im alive form it comes around this time every year. I mailed it back and made a copy . You should not have those problems filing for whats due you ...

[@AmericanInThailand]

No phone call? Well looks like they added that later.

[@UTCM]

@@AmericanInThailand no never spoke with anyone . Just filled out the information online and waited . I started 3 months before Im thinking . Check came right on time .

[@zlotis]

Very informative. The question I cannot get answered is the following. I have logged into the SSN Website and seen the projected amounts based on when I apply for benefits. But the thing that caused concerns is the phrase "based on your current continuing earnings projections...." So if I have retired early in my mid 50s, is that amount I see the bare minimum I will receive or will that amount start to shrink as I'm no longer contributing to SS. If it is to shrink, and I'm not returning to work ever again, how do I calculate what that reduction will be, come time I'm eligible to collect? Thanks!

[@AmericanInThailand]

I am fairly certain that amount you see now stops to grow once you stop working, and then stays fixed. But each month after the age of 62 you hold off on taking it, it increases slightly. For me, each month it went up about $15 a month after age 62.

[@AmericanInThailand]

www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/stop-working-will-benefits-be-reduced.html

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

I filed at age sixty two because I was more or less already living here and really worried about not taking advantage of it early besides thankfully most of my income comes from Alaska where I worked for the state government. I have been keeping a budget now over forty years and everything is still on paper. You would be shocked how much you can save from having a budget of sorts. It sounds like I got lucky.

[@AmericanInThailand]

No kidding! When you actually see what your money is doing all the time, you get very protective of it.

[@ParadiseNThailand]

Was not aware of the "Proof of Life" form, but now I know. Thanks!

[@AmericanInThailand]

I sent you the form.

[@debbiecrawford9953]

I like your shirt!! I have several just like it! I hope there will still be money when I take may social security which could be in a few years as I am a few years after you. Thank for the info on social security sounds like a process!! we have been crazy busy at work Summer is here!

[@AmericanInThailand]

Have you signed up in the Social Security website to see what your benefits will be?