SSA Suspends Payments to Countless Expats

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[@qroo]

Check out the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide: bit.ly/3SICdD0 Qroo Store: www.etsy.com/shop/QrooPaul U.S. Consulate in Mexico Website: mx.usembassy.gov/you-did-not-get-your-march-payment/

[@thevictorianedge5465]

What is expat???

[@sherridrobac7485]

Ho ho. Ho

[@donklee3514]

Don't you find the timing of this enforcement action a little odd. You have US senators talking about invading Mexico. You have law suites started by the US trying to force Mexico to privatize its national energy company. You have a Mexican president that opposes it. The US is trying to identify expats? Ponds are the most powerful piece on the chess board and the most expendable.

[@RealPackCat]

@@thevictorianedge5465 Ex-Patriot (living out of the country)

[@itsjusrex]

@@thevictorianedge5465 Ex-patriots. Not sure if renounced citizens or not... but, maybe they use it to mean primary residence is out of country

[@terrisewell4729]

That's great videos, you guys rock. I learned so much from your videos. Me and my husband plan to retire in a year and my first choice is of course Mexico lindo. Your videos helped a lot understanding how to navigate a move like that, I believe Investment is the key to sustaining financial longevity, I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life too 🙏🙏🙏

[@limburgerfarrell3499]

You're absolutely right, Starting early is the best way of getting ahead to build wealth, investing remains a priority. I learnt from my last year's experience, i am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time

[@johnalex4006]

I urge everyone to start somewhere now no matter how small, this is literally the time for that, forget material things, don't get tempted,i became more better the moment i realized this.

[@Soboj-oy8me]

yeah investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity but venturing into any legitimate Investment without a proper guidance of an ex pert can lead to a great loss too

[@jessicasaunder6965]

exactly! That's my major concern and what kind of profitable investment can someone do with the current rise in economic downturn

[@theresathomas3849]

Hello nice comments, please what exactly kind of investment are you talking about here, I'm really interested too

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

Nice Video. Precise/Concise. No music No dragging out a 2 minute topic for 10 minutes No drama click bait crapola.

[@kpdvw]

never even once did SSA fail to deduct their "cut" out of any pay checks all the years I was employed....!

[@JohnLocke1776]

Given how corrupt the ruling class is, it's foolish of us to continue to even pay any taxes...

[@DrJohnnyJ]

Would you like them to send checks to dead people? Assuring that recipients are still alive is a good idea.

[@SuzanneU]

The way I understood the video is that payments were suspended because the recipients failed to submit the requisite documentation.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Employers make the payroll deduction for SS (and also Medicare) from your paycheck. Your employer has to match your SS payroll deduction and send the total to the government. For self-employed persons, the SS dedications are part of their income tax return (self-employment tax), but is about double the normal SS payroll deduction done by employers, since the self-employed person has to pay both the employee share and the employer share.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

They are just making sure that you are not part of a scam. When people die, others pick up their checks. This is just good government. All countries do it. However, one recent administration didn't hire competent people so now there is a backlog of work to do.

[@elizabethbrown1276]

Great video. I think it's wonderful that you look out for others and quickly respond to help resolve their problems.

[@qroo]

It helps that so many people share information with me. It would be impossible for me to keep up with all the changes on my own.

[@peggylagomarsini8017]

We live in La Paz full time but we’re smart: our bank account for SSA deposits is in the US and we also have a small property in Texas still . Received my SSA came through yesterday.

[@sheba8433]

That’s exactly what I was thinking of doing! Get an online bank and let all deposits go there

[@sheba8433]

Do you have an online bank account with a credit card and debit card?

[@sheba8433]

Couldn’t they track your purchases via your credit or debit cards and know you’re living outside the country?

[@johnhaller5851]

If you left the country via air on a US passport, they know you aren't in the US. That's why your airline scans your passport. But, if you visit the US every 6 months, they won't suspend payments because they know you are still alive.

[@bonnyjanineweil9589]

@@johnhaller5851 I left the US by land xing 3 years ago. I bank at Fidelity, rent out my house in CA, use VPN for all financials. I keep getting my SS pymts w/out a hitch. I'm considering filling out the form though, but don't want to actually trigger an issue with SSA if an issue is not being flagged. What to do?... I'm thinking next time I'm in the US this summer, I'll drop into a SSA branch and deal in person... I don't want to fix what's not broken.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I had been told that the US government mails the forms to the people who need to fill them out. But I could never get an answer on "how did the US gov't figure out the mail system in Mexico?" Great video as always!

[@NashobaLusaTaloa]

Almost Retired in Mexico: I've lived in México since 1991, and have been receiving these forms since I turned 65 in 2010, with no problem. But since DeJoy became US Postmaster General, mail here in México seems to be faster and more efficient than US mail! I've had certified mail (that I could track) take 3-4 weeks to get to Laredo, Texas from San Antonio, Texas (150 miles or a 3-hour drive away). From the border, all foreign mail goes to México City, then redirected from there. Those same certified letters which take almost a month to go 150 miles in the US, go from Laredo to México City to my town outside of Guadalajara in 5 days. Postal service here in México has improved considerably in the 32 years I've lived in México. Can't say the same for the USPS.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@NashobaLusaTaloa Thanks for sharing. I knew that the mail system worked in CDMX. But it doesn't work in my small town outside La Paz (it doesn't help that there are no street addresses here.) Good to know that the forms arrive at some locations in Mexico!

[@ohno-zx4if]

I’m in Colombia In some of these countries it’s impossible to get mail. Why wouldn’t they email people these important forms. It makes no sense

[@saylorgirl799]

Wow! You always post very helpful info and you do it in a timely manner as well. Thanks for the heads up on things like this as I continue to plan for my retirement in Mexico. 👍🏼

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Great information as always Pau 😀 Thanks for sharing your time with us 2 Canadians 🇨🇦 living in Mexico 🇲🇽🥰✌️🐶

[@thomasridenour277]

This only applies if you have your payment sent to a foreign bank. If you live abroad and your SS goes to an American bank then no problem.

[@RealPackCat]

I do and my Direct Deposit is in US. (ATM-free debit card) But I still received threatening letters from SSA starting in November. I think their hires are people who have been fired from the DMV.

[@thomasridenour277]

@@roswo I have used a VPN for a long time. Electronically I am always in the USA.

[@RealPackCat]

@@thomasridenour277 VPN is a little more challenging and expensive on a mobile. I cannot login to the SSA web site unless I use a VPN and I have to do it in the middle of the night when it is business hours in US. They should be a 24 hour shop since the internet is forever. And I have US address and US bank account, and they still send my correspondence to foreign Embassy.

[@MassiveSuccessVids]

THANK YOU. BLESSINGS. AMEN.

[@susanehrlich9292]

Not true. They have my foreign address but I get direct deposit into my U.S. bank account and I still get these sent to me every year.

[@ExpatLivingMexico]

We found out about this on the 3rd, this past Friday, as the money wasn't in our account. My wife logged into her SS account to see it said suspended. Did another google and found a few hits of someone who had the same issue. Once we figured out the form needed, we printed it, filled it out and yesterday mailed it next day via DHL ( don't trust Mexican post), and it arrived today at the Mexico City FBU unit. (the unit for about 8 states). Calling was pointless as could not get through for 2 days. Everyone is probably calling. Besides they would still need the form. To prevent this for next year, we put an annual reminder in our calendars to print and fill out the form each May and mail it in. Since clearly we may not get notified by the government. Hope this helps!!

[@qroo]

Thanks for sharing that info.

[@cherylkern3288]

You only need to do this every 2 years. However, it couldn't hurt to do it yearly.

[@NashobaLusaTaloa]

Mexico Expat Living: How did you download the form? I've lived in México since 1991 (before retirement age) but have never been able to register on SSA's online site. I always have to call an SSA office in the States and talk to someone in person to straighten out any problems.

[@roberteggleston2339]

Why did you mail it to FBU Mexico City and not the address in the video, Wilkes-Barre, PA.?

[@ExpatLivingMexico]

@@NashobaLusaTaloa you need to use VPN, then can access SSA site with no issues

[@AnthonyTolhurst-dw1nc]

Watching the sun set on the biggest bully shall be a sight to enjoy!

[@MikeStrine_RoatanStrineWay]

Caught me in Honduras as well. Pain, but doable. They had not used our "mailing" address - but sent it to our Honduran home. There are no "addresses" here, and we built our own home (Retired from Palm Beach FL Sheriff's Office). Two weeks after no payment, someone sent me a photo of an envelope at the local post office (who knew?!). I had to complete and send the form out with an exiting traveler to mail for me. I had to call SSA to change our notification method to the mailing address. All is well (We will see!).

[@kandismueller7716]

Thank you for your timely help and information!

[@Lorenzo-je4dt]

$650 a month, living month to month... I Lost my Mexican apartment and all my furnishings, when my deposit didn't come. During Covid, they suspended that requirement, and then reinstituted it without notice ! That Caused the problem !

[@jreznic]

Thanks so much Paul!

[@qroo]

My pleasure!

[@techworld-kc6lt]

Your ideas flows easy to not get bored from this smart man

[@ehulbert5]

Thank you for the warning, I'm moving to Italy in September.

[@Automedon2]

I remember reading a stat that said that before death reporting, more than half the recipients of US Social Security in Mexico would have to be over 100.

[@kevincourtney7312]

And those checks were still being cashed, survivors benefits I guess.

[@louisliu5638]

About 2000 with tech. advances and Treaty Agreements in place, the SS admin. AND the country of residency exchanges information in status (not the amount, just that that tax file is collecting SS ) but interesting on death reporting. My brother has collected our dad's Cdn. pension for decades and he passed 9 years ago. Wonder if my little bro. is STILL collecting!!

[@Automedon2]

@@louisliu5638 So many people, worldwide are collecting government payments that the chance of error is fragile. Even the most automated payment system has to have someone entering a number at some point. I collect Social Security pension and though mine is a basic, standard payment, I still marvel at how dependable payments are. But, I also work part time, in social services, and the number of payments being made to agencies, medical providers, landlords and the like is staggering, yet only rarely is there ever a glitch.

[@danluzurriaga6035]

@@Automedon2 The USA has very refined processes of giving away other people's money, without a hitch, to those who didn't earn it. But if you earned it ir, like SSA, you had better dot every i and cross every t or your payment will be suspended.

[@Automedon2]

@danluzurriaga6035 I got a notice that I wouldn't be getting a SS payment one month because I had been overplayed. I could never reach anyone who could explain it because my check has been the same since I retired. So I had no choice but to eat it.

[@daniellares7237]

Oh wow. Thanks for the information.

[@gregorgman]

Paul, good to see you again buddy. "Keeping up the great work" should be your middle name! Thanks.

[@dawno4763]

This site is amazing. Thank you so much!

[@tonynes3577]

Hey thanks Paul. Although I'm not there yet, when I do retire, Mexico sounds and looks good for a partial or full time retirement!

[@elisabethmiller8335]

Thant you! Every post better than the last!

[@Tom-tk3du]

Keep your US bank account and have all your checks deposited there. Unless you own a foreign business, there's not much need to have a foreign bank account and all the associated FATCA hassles.

[@TheHebrew]

Muchas gracias.

[@tomtharos4440]

Love the tongue in cheek humor.

[@BrightStar3862]

Paul, this one was pure genius. To the point - hooraah ted

[@qroo]

Thanks.

[@Miz-Newsy]

Thanks for this video.

[@chadwilliams6150]

Thanks, good to know

[@colleenmccabe5135]

I’m looking into relocating to Mexico. I never knew about this requirement. Thank you.

[@craiggallup5706]

It's a requirement of all Americans living abroad IF social security has a foreign address on file. If they have a U.S. address on file, it is not required. Expats living in some countries must file annually and other countries every two years.

[@realtijuana5998]

@@craiggallup5706 Well, I've been living in Mexico since 2004 and have been receiving my SSA pension for six years now. This is the first time they've asked me for proof of life. At least this has answered a question that's been nagging me for a long while: _how will the SSA know to stop sending me money when I'm dead?_

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I thought about moving to Mexico. There's no Mexicans there. They are all in Texas

[@rickln1]

@@Cutter-jx3xj I wish that was true then I'd move to Texas

[@chrisgonzalez849]

@Cutter 1959 you're right. I went to Chapala and it was all Americans, lol

[@briansaale2999]

Once you mail your 7162 back to the SSA its a good idea to send a copy to the FBU (Federal Benefits Unit) attached to the embassy just so you CYA.

[@bhinbayoucity5691]

I've also heard it called the Drop Dead Letter... in the Philippines.

[@kathysterndahl3134]

I got the form last summer and sent it back in via Mexico mail. It never arrived. I got another one in December giving me 60 days to respond. I received it a week after the 60 days had expired. Not taking any chances, I drove 4 hours each way to return it via iShop & Mail. Even though it was late, I still got my check, so they seem to be pretty understanding.

[@lagringa7518]

Yep that was me too. Sent all docs the 8th..... still nothing on the 30th.

[@berettaman7]

I will refer this channel to my contacts.

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I am an American expat in the Philippines. Back in 2020 when the pandemic was breaking out I did not receive my forms. I called the SSA office in the US Consulate in Manila to ask about it. They said things were a bit chaotic because they were scaling back because of pandemic and to not worry but hold tight and I would eventually get the forms. No forms have arrived except for an email in February, 2023 telling me to download the form and send it into the SSA office in the US Consulate in Manila. I did so and had no problem. But I know of some American expats who did not read the email so they failed to send in the form. Their benefits were cut.

[@unnamedDbacksfan]

those forms have always been required. they were just suspended for past 2 years due to various covid restrictions with mailing in various nations.. started again in June 2022. just found this info in another blog I follow

[@realtijuana5998]

I've been on SSA for six years and this is the first time they've asked me for proof of life.

[@kimberly5928]

Great Video!…Can you please do a video on what just happened with the kidnappings…in regards to how you feel about safety?

[@joeallenboxing]

This happened to us this month. They lied and said they sent out the request and documents for me to sign. They sent nothing. I downloaded the form and signed it and got me benefits sent in dir. dep. by the 15th.

[@tarey05]

Something new--again! Thank u so much, Paul. Couldn't live in Mexico without you!

[@m.s.9744]

Great info! Good to know when I retire in a few years 👍

[@dennisseeker36]

yup - it happened to me- living in the philippines, they claimed to have mailed the form but i never got it - only an e mail right before they cut it off the damm mail is bad here i had sent 2 registered copies after the e mail and it i don't know if they ever got it.. i resent the fact that once i was told they only accept such forms my national mail ...no courier, ( still to this day the embassy web site does not tell a person they can send by courier --- in regards to this form-- ) but i found out now they do-- i have send by courier as well as mailed to manila to a friend to mail sever copies as well as 2 by courier--- i resent they will not take a phone call - as well i was going to fly to manila with my last cash to hand it to them but i learned i am not allowed into the embassy without appointment and it takes months to get an appointment it is all BS

[@domingodeanda233]

Gracias Mr. Chingon

[@barthagaby1]

I love your videos, you guys rock. I learned so much from your videos. Me and my husband plan to retire in 2 years and my first choice is of course Mexico lindo. Your videos helped a lot understanding how to navigate a move like that. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into helping people understand what to expect when wanting to move abroad. Greetings from fellow Floridians! :)

[@philam1973]

I live in Philippines. SSA USA told me by phone that only a bar coded form is acceptable and must be sent to the Pennsylvania post office box. Heard only US post office can carrier anything to a PO box. A lot of this might be bunk. It takes me 2 months to receive the form 2 months to return it. So far no stopped payment

[@ricardocortes8673]

Great information

[@RonHaddock1]

I live in the Canary Islands, Spain and my wife did not receive her Mar 3rd payment. I did receive mine. We never received any forms, but a simple call to the Federal Benefits Unit at the Madrid Embassy sorted it all out and they told us we should receive it within 2 weeks or sooner. You absolutely can not trust Spanish Postal system.

[@gracewright7938]

I hope those living in Mexico love it there and love the people.

[@fjb4932]

Seems for every one gringo we send down there, we get 99 Mexicans back. Fair dinkum, lol . . .

[@winewoman224]

This happened to me and I live in Belize.

[@jonmeek3879]

Yup me too !

[@jessicabixler1658]

Use a "permanent address" in the US connected to bank account for auto deposit. Then use you debit card out of country.

[@phildodd5532]

Good to know. Thanks, Paul ! 🤠🍓🍓🍷🍷

[@noemie7739]

Does this affect all types of social security payments? I have SSDI and did receive my payment in March. I'm assuming it'd be good to fill out the form either way just in case?

[@RealPackCat]

Back last fall I received the form from the Embassy where SSA sends correspondence and I promptly mailed it back to PA WITH TRACKING... I saw that it sat in the SSA WB, PA post Office for over a month before someone decided to pickup mail. Then a month later, I received a threatening notice that my SSA benefits were at risk of being suspended, with another (same) form. I sent it again via tracking and it was picked up within 10 business days. They should enter the new century and allow FAX, Email, or something else to expedite this kind of thing. It works for my absentee voting, why not SSA? The SSA web site sucks, because it does not allow the user to make inquiries. Phone calls to them are at least $20 per call. The entire communication apparatus with SSA is sorely failing. I have to send an email to my Embassy and they forward to another Embassy in another country which handles my case. I am lucky to ever get a response from them. Meanwhile, my SSA account is registered in the US, US bank account, and US address.

[@danluzurriaga6035]

What country are you residing in?

[@dugfriendly]

Thanks for this public service!

[@qroo]

Happy to help.

[@paulatterholt9111]

I assume you could also Keep your money in US bank, and have a U S address ..... ...

[@Corgi_Saurus]

How much do you charge for a consult on expat'ing to mexico?

[@brofessormex]

Warning. Banks here are also closing our accounts too.

[@danluzurriaga6035]

Thank you for the amazing detail. How might one act on your "warning"? Did your account get closed? Why?

[@judyutah]

Does this. "non payment for March - SSA". apply to temps & perms residents in Mexico? I'm still tourist status (6 mo/ 6 mo) so, don't think it applies... AND my SSA wasn't stopped in March. But just checking to be sure. Let me know. Thank you.

[@chrisconleymedia]

Paul….living in mexico when its time to apply for ss, are there extra steps or can you just apply online as if you were living in the usa?

[@judithgrace9850]

Keep a USA address and money in USA bank account.

[@harrywensel8456]

Paul is great.

[@steveg6643]

@qroo, even our local US SS office doesn't know the answer to this. My wife holds a US Permanent Res Card (and is a UK citizen). She has lived and worked in the US for 50 years and paid into the US SS system. The SS website shows she is qualified to receive her benefits when she chooses to start collecting. We are planning to retire in Mexico. However, an immigration attorney is telling us she will lose her earned social security monthly benefits if we move to Mexico after 6 months of being there? Is there something were not understanding correctly? Does the fact the she is a US Perm. RES ie. "Green Card" holder cause an issue with leaving the US and living in Mexico and still being able to receive her earned SS benefit? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@ehulbert5]

Does "receive payments through a representative payee" include direct deposit to a bank account in my name?

[@marylh914]

YEP! This is completely true. No joke.

[@Photojouralist123]

I was shocked when I saw I didn't get my soc sec for March! Went to the Soc Sec site and my account suspended. I quickly filled out the form and DHL to Manila US Embassy Soc Sec office. In 4 days I got my $$$ . What a shock!

[@danluzurriaga6035]

Did you have SSA sent to USA bank with USA address?

[@Photojouralist123]

@@danluzurriaga6035 yes I have an account in the US then take out my SOC SEC from any AtM in Malaysia or where ever

[@georgeandy6923]

So I'm just curious...when you do this will you still get your March payment and any other missed months as back pay??

[@frankcherry3810]

I got mine. Hello from Thailand

[@texascowboy8612]

Im in the Philippines. Its the same all over the world it sucks !!!!!!

[@KatKatz11]

I just saw this information the other day, we are moving there shortly but don't have our permanent address yet, will be renting. How do I let SSA know where to send the form (since no mail service in MX). Will they send it DHL?

[@rozannequintero5753]

Do we assume if we got paid in march there is no concern or on the website will they varify?

[@gregmoore66]

This is a valuable, helpful video, perhaps your best yet. I wish you would make a list of every reason that would cause a US citizen who is living in Mexico to contact the US embassy for help and describe how the Embassy can help. For example, does it ever make sense to cancel Medicare, which can only be used in the US? Sometimes this is a good idea.

[@louisliu5638]

There are Social Security offices to help those in their jurisdiction in both Canada and Mexcio. the Cdn. one, for instance, is based in Bellingham and resp. for 35,000 people collecting SS and are based in BC. This ISN'T an Embassy issue and you'd be wasting their time. SS is very clear.

[@josephsmith961]

If you cancel your Medicare, and have health issues that you can't afford in a foreign country, you're kind of screwed. Your premium will go way up if you try to get it reinstated. And if you have supplemental insurance, and cancel that, the premiums go through the roof if you try to reinstate them.

[@johnc2438]

@@josephsmith961 Not "kind of screwed." You are actually screwed, unless you have the dollars lying around. Good points! 👍

[@josephsmith961]

@@johnc2438 I kept my Medicare and UnitedHealthCare supplemental plan, and bought a Skymed plan. If something drastic happens to me they'll fly me to the US for treatment if I'm incapacitated.

[@bonnyjanineweil9589]

Medicare coverage is a now or never kind of thing. Stiff penalties, spelled out on their website for trying to use it later. Be sure to maintain parts A (for free) and part B for a cost.

[@ohno-zx4if]

In some of these countries it’s impossible to get mail. Why wouldn’t they email people these important forms. It makes no sense

[@AngelRodriguez-fj8bc]

What if I don't get it ssa form ?or get it late!

[@Mexicobeanpole]

How did the SSA know they were living abroad. If I’m using a U.S. bank for SS deposits and have a mail service in the US, is this likely to happen to me? Thank you for taking the time to post this!

[@qroo]

That is an interesting question.

[@craiggallup5706]

No! It is only required if Social Security has a foreign address on record. It's all about the address on their record. Of course you are technically required to inform Social Security if you live abroad and change to the foreign address where you are living. But many expats do not comply with that. They will not expect the form if they think you live in the U.S. Get it? Is it the right thing to do to not inform social security? Probably not and there could be a problem if they figure it out. But many expats don't tell them. You decide your comfort zone on this.

[@DrAJ_LatinAmerica]

USA knows everything. There is a record of all passport usage in airports, or if you use a car or walk across, they can track your phone, track email accounts, social media, bank records and credit card usage. Yes, they are "supposed" to have a legal reason and court order to track people but as Mr. Snowden pointed out, they still do what they want, when they want. USA breaks more rules than any country in the world, just the average person doesn't know when they do it, how they do it and who they are doing it to, jejejeje. Sad but true. If they can enter the home of an X president of the USA, sell guns to drug dealers, give billions to third world government officials,.... then certainly they can find an American living abroad. Easy. Always two sets of laws - one set for the average people and one set for the rich / famous. Such as the car crash case with Paul Pelosi.

[@craiggallup5706]

@@DrAJ_LatinAmerica There is no such coordination. If SS has a US address and the money is deposited in the US they think you live in the US.

[@beverlyweber4122]

@@craiggallup5706 Yeah, I plan to keep my US address as my son will be living in my home, taking care of things on my behalf, including mail and all that. Plus, I will be returning to the US fairly regularly...so absolutely NOT going to blab about my location to the government.

[@lynyrdskynyrdtributeband]

Not surprised at all. I have been trying to collect my Railroad Benefits for almost a year now with no success.

[@PP-uv1kw]

america needs money for wars not to pay its own bills

[@costaricasbestguide9906]

Any idea how long it takes to un-suspend the payments once they receive the form at the embassy?

[@realtijuana5998]

I asked my second SSA agent that very question. (The first one hung up on me.) Ricardo said they'll make a determination once they receive the form back from me. Just imagine the backlog the FEQ Analyst has right now!

[@WHSmith-zk2ox]

Actually, I would suspect that a great deal of these suspensions were because no one received any notice or paperwork to fill out in the first place.... A gal I know had that happen to her, under a different guise or pretext, same ploy though, none the less, and it was sort of grim for just a second or two... Thankfully a worker at the S.S.A. "expedited" her "contest of action" and it was all worked out in a few weeks.... But still, you have to watch some of those folks... Never know who is monkeying around with the data in the background..... And they are getting hard up right about now too, I would assume....

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I totally agree. I am an American expat in the Philippines. Back in 2020 when the pandemic was breaking out I did not receive my forms. I called the SSA office in the US Consulate in Manila to ask about it. They said things were a bit chaotic because they were scaling back because of pandemic and to not worry but hold tight and I would eventually get the forms. No forms have arrived except for an email in February, 2023 telling me to download the form and send it into the SSA office in the US Consulate in Manila. I did so and had no problem. But I know of some American expats who did not read the email so they failed to send in the form. Their benefits were cut.

[@merrsf]

How often do such forms have to be completed and submitted? Is it every year?

[@qroo]

Yes, every year.

[@valerieleach2327]

Help I'm in Canada sent the form 7 time in the last 10 months and still no SS payment. It has totally crippled my life and I can't get anyone to do anything... help please

[@fosterseitz1234]

Every year I returned the forms they still suspended my SS. They claim they never got it. Even when I sent one year express mail with signature required, they still claim they never got it. Its a scam by the SSA.

[@Dave-eu3ib]

This is only affecting those that get benefits to a foreign ban or by mail. Reason to have a friends address in USA and use a bank in USA to have funds electronically deposited

[@soulshine8531]

I just for here on March 2nd with residency visa. To confirm if my benefits are auto deposited in US bank and i have a domicile in the US it doesn’t apply?

[@rayintoledocebuphilippines5517]

totally incorrect. I have a us address and deposit the check to a us bank. however i live in Philippines and am registered with US embassy - so they still sent me an email stating i need to file the ssa 7162 in 5 days or lose payments- so I sent it fedex to the embassy address they supplied

[@roncarpenter7240]

I live in Mexico and expect it to happen to me. The reason is that my coda postal (zip code) is the same as Microsoft's, 980--, and a computer glitch kicks out much of my mail. Among other things, I wrote Microsoft and thought they had fixed It (they never actually responded to my letter), but apparently not with SS. I also explained it to the fat US ambassador to Mexico in 2013, but he just blew me off. At first (started in 2005); it was just things from the US, but now it affects things from here; e.g., banks and telephone company. Of course, I have my SS benefits direct deposited, but from time to time SS sends me that proof of existence form; I responded to the latest twice because they say I didn't send the first, which I sent by registered mail and still have the receipt.

[@sheba8433]

Why don’t you use an online bank in the 🇺🇸 and send mail to a relative’s address.

[@roncarpenter7240]

@@sheba8433 Can you have a debit/credit card sent online?

[@sheba8433]

@@roncarpenter7240 I would think you can. My cousin lives in Mexico and uses her card to buy and pay everything . I’d find a bank with no foreign fees also . We are getting ready to make our move soon. Citi has no foreign fees

[@roncarpenter7240]

@@sheba8433 You can't have a card (plastic) sent through a computer, idiot. As for your cousin, who probably lives in San Miguel de Allende, she doesn't have the same postal code as I, so doesn't have the same problems.

[@Time2Live.online]

Great info thanks, I've been sending request forms to the Costa Rica Embassy FBU unit for three weeks, with no reply, I guess they are swamped, the postal system here sucks big time. Actually, I have not received a single piece of mail since 2017. The form you posted however has nowhere to add your name or social security number, and it doesn't give an address as to where to send it to. Can anyone suggest a solution?

[@Time2Live.online]

Nevermind, I found it in the Costa Rica Embassy site.

[@emilyglasser1072]

Hi Paul, might you know if l can receive my ssa if I'm not a citizen? I have been a permanent resident for decades.

[@kennethlittrell2105]

I have to wonder why it is not sent as attachment to email

[@dougblack4479]

Even though The Canada Pension Plan is an entitlement you have to go home after 6 months or be technically cut off. My CPP payment is a direct deposit to a bank account. I can get that money from any ATM that will accept my bank card world wide. My book keeper submits my tax return by eFile. I use her home based business address as my home address so all the necessary government documents for filing my taxes and my bank interest statement land at her place. Have not needed to sign any return yet for 5 years. Have not been gone longer than 6 months yet. Does any other Canadian know if there is an automatic red flag check by Canada Customs for every returning Canadian who has been gone longer than 6 months who looks over 65? You can collect a portion earlier at 55 or you can postpone receiving CCP till your 70. With my age appearance being younger looking I have a few years of wiggle room if they do automatically red flag report you to Revenue Canada if you have been gone longer than 6 months.

[@wasblindbutnowsee]

My expat SSI is sent to transfer app with US bank address.

[@deltaforce01]

Hi cam you help me, my have has completed the form SSA-7162-OCR-SM but filled in the part that reads: for SSA USA ONLY and put her Social Security number in, will this be a problem?

[@mrvgstyle2442]

There are only certain countries where Social Security benefits will continue uninterrupted. It is on their website. Mexico is not one of them. Canada, the U.S. and it's territories, Chile and Uruguay are among North and South American countries where Americans can continue receiving SSA benefits. A number of western European countries are also on the list.

[@canadagood]

I am a retired Canadian citizen and resident. But I worked a few years in California and get Social Security along with my Canadian Pension. I applied using provisions of the USA / Canada tax treaty. My understanding is that the Canadian Government will let SSA know when I am no longer among the living. I've never seen these particular forms but perhaps I've just not been receiving SSA for enough years. It seems obvious - at least to me - that people saying they reside in USA when they really live elsewhere are one day likely to receive some intrusive and nasty questioning at some lonely border crossing late at night.

[@mrvgstyle2442]

@@canadagood , Not if they have active U.S. passports. They can come and go. I know it's required by the U.S. government that Americans, who live in foreign countries, spend a certain period of time each year in the U.S. I know of an American family that goes between Mexico and their home state. They're full fledged Americans by birth (even Caucasian) with active passports. They live in Mexico almost full-time because it's inexpensive to do so compared to living in the United States.

[@darlalove8863]

Oh good !!

[@ericbaugher]

I just listened to this one and gave it a like. I mostly watch your language stuff, but the title interested me. I live in the states so this change did not effect me.

[@ericpowell4350]

This is so ridiculous. 😞

[@johnnygross4415]

Should I have my family fill out form 7162 and mail it to where? USA or Mexico?

[@unnamedDbacksfan]

Since I am married to a citizen of Mexico, my plan was to get citizenship in a few years (dual, keep the US one too)... I wonder how that will go now?

[@stevenkirby4471]

I have similar plans. These are two different processes run by separate branches of the US gov. If one was going to affect the other, it already would have. The POL requirement isn't anything new.

[@dickcappels1307]

It is a problem. Mail where I live is not reliable.

[@brofessormex]

This happened to me too and it took three years to restore

[@danluzurriaga6035]

lol 3 years

[@manuelvikingo7767]

WHY SO LONG ? WHERE DO YOU LIVE ?

[@danluzurriaga6035]

@@manuelvikingo7767 People say this crap without explaining details: Reason: They are bullshitting us. Some people are kind of touched in the head and need the attention. Nobody would be out of SSA for 3 years lol.

[@manuelvikingo7767]

@@danluzurriaga6035 THANKS YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR REPLY BUT MY QUESTION WAS WHY IT TAKES SO LONG TO RESTORE YOUR SSA BENEFITS ? WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM WITH YOU ?

[@marksrink]

if i do move to mex... how often do you do that paper? Proof of life thing ?