When Things Go Wrong in The Philippines/Applying For Social Security Overseas

[@markdittbenner9949]

That was really stupid applying in the Philippines...he should have went back to America and walked into the SS office and applied...stupid actions get stupid results...oh you really trust the government to get it right...wow

[@keith4826]

A good number of expats have successfully filed here in the Philippines. Myself included. He made a few mistakes about the process. IMO. I use google voice as my USA number. Not a nephew that doesn't answer the call. A virtual mailbox that responds promptly. Do some research on something. Look for the things that can go wrong and try to avoid them. If someone is thinking about being an expat they do need to solve problems from abroad.

[@danielhackney7806]

I didn't apply on-line I did it over the phone and received my first SS deposit with-in 3 weeks. That seemed pretty darn fast to me. Easy Peasy.

[@leaundraeshepherd9170]

​@@danielhackney7806Hi, did you do it from abroad?

[@frankshewmake9753]

I am sorry this is not true, my wife I both applied for SS here in the phils and it was smooth sailing and we received our SS promptly. One anecdotal story does not make it true. It sounds to me like he had the perfect storm created by SSI and him.

[@keith4826]

A phone call or text that was not answered and a letter sent that got no reply. From that moment forward SS treated it like fraud.

[@danielmckinnon9627]

I’m retired in Thailand and filed online, using my VPN, last August to start in October and send it to my US bank account. I read on the Thailand forums that most had to file over in Manila for SE Asia. However, I did not want them sending my monthly check to my Thai bank account so I used my son’s address in the States and have my check sent to my USA bank account. I also still have my USA number here. Surprisingly all worked smoothly as I expected a rough start. Their website does say if we go outside the country that I am supposed to notify SS office

[@vgwalldecals]

I took / taking Paul's advice. I filed for Social Security here in the US online in December of 2022. Within a week I received a phone call from Social Security to verify my identity and personal information. Within a few days I received an email and a snail mail approval letter. My first deposit was Feb 14th, yes Valentines Day, and we are waiting for at least two more deposits before we head back to the Philippines. My Filipina wife will be receiving her dual citizenship the end of April so we will be here in the US atleast until then. Applying for Social Security is one of the most important things you are going to do towards the end of your life, take it seriously.

[@DHarri9977]

I did the exact same thing, I was approved within 8 days including the first phone call from the Soc Sec people, received an approval letter via snail mail 5 days later waiting to get my first deposit and I'm good at which point I'll be booking my flight. Saved a few of the emails from the Social Security people as with the contact the center handling my case.

[@vgwalldecals]

@@DHarri9977 One thing you may want to do before you leave.....go into your Social Security Account online and print off a few copies of your Benefit Verification Letter. There should be a link to it from your main page. This letter goes into detail of how much you will be receiving every month and the day that your deposits will be made. I'm thinking this will be sufficient if your income is ever in question.

[@johngregory7427]

The Squeaky Wheel gets the grease. Call them every day until they know your voice when you call.

[@williammit1332]

I applied while in Thailand through Manila, absolutely no problems. Had an appointment for an interview by phone with Manila.

[@stacy58306]

If I was close to social security retirement age, I would have stayed in the US until I was receiving my check. If I was not able to wait, I would have planned to fly back to US to get it set up. Trying to get it started from Manila is just adding many more steps to the process.

[@keith4826]

Yup. Two steps. Step one, Send email to SS Manila office Step two, Answer the phone

[@JCizzleSoCal]

Bingo! There’s no reason to apply for US SS outside of the US.

[@01redlightning]

Mike/Paul. FYI-Another heads up. Passport renewal. Back in the US it took me 45 days to wait for a renewal. Well I renewed my passport at the US Embassy in Manila. Got an appointment time online. Again at the scheduled time my name was called. Invalidated my passport by punching wholes on it gave it back. Then I asked what if I have an emergency that I have to fly back. I'll have to come back and an emergency passport will be issued as long as I have an airline ticket. I asked how long will it take for the renewal 1-3 months. On the 7 day my new passport was delivered at my door,,,,,how's that for service. I have have nothing but good experience dealing with the US Embassy in Manila.

[@txtworld]

Moral of the story - don't leave the US for greener pastures, until you've successfully received your first SS check in the bank. Wasn't that already evident, from Paul's friend John and his girl Diana?

[@MrJakobs007]

yes its commen sense.

[@MrJakobs007]

ofcurse you do not leave your country , before some kind of monthly income is secured... OMG people are just so damm stupid..

[@AidaJof]

@@MrJakobs007 He is well off that he is not dependant on SS,but having to solve issues from Phils is a lot more complicated

[@todd7756]

@@MrJakobs007 Not always true, some people may choose to come over here long before the age of 62

[@user-bh1se9hn9j]

Putting the cart before the horse

[@rooster1012]

Get your local Congressman involved a simple inquiry by their office can un-jam problems like this, I have done this for disabled vets that had their paperwork stuck in limbo due to fires at the St.Louis records facility.

[@xavierkoolat6926]

We "Live & Learn" in life. I waa living in Arizona & had been thinking of moving to either the Phil. or Thailand for several months; this was a few years ago. Then between Thanksgiving & Christmas, I was preoccupied with the holiday festivities & scheduling & a number of other financial deadlines I had to take care of & solve. I had just left a burger restaurant & was at a stop sign waiting for traffic to clear before entering the intersection to continue on my way home to sign up for a different car insurance company. My car was standing still, not moving, just behind the white line where I was supposed to be sitting, waiting for a clearing in the traffic pattern. On the crossroad was a big pickup truck waiting to turn left & continue past me & continue on the same road I was on but in the opposite direction as I was going. As he crossed in front of me I noticed that he was not turning sharp enough & would hit the curb to the left of me. Suddenly, he tried to correct his direction but over corrected & turned his front end & headlights straight toward me on my left side. At the same time I heard his engine rev up, the front end of his truck lifted up, & his grill, bumper, & headlights came roaring at me like an angry bull locomotive engine. The sudden "T-Bone" collision demolished my entire left side (driver's side) of my car. It took 4 policemen & firemen to pry my door open to extract me from my car & place me on the gurney. I was taken to the hospital in their ambulance. My injuries were several cuts & bruises & fractured ribs. Since the hospital could not do anything for me, they gave me the option to go home after about 5 hours. I did. I took a taxi home because my car was "totaled" beyond repair. So, I no longer had a car. Remember that I was going home to change car insurance companies? Well, in the confusing days during the holidays, I forgot that I had lapsed the "30-day grace period" on my insurance coverage, & i was no longer covered by any car insurance at all. So, my totaled car was demolished & not covered. So, no car. I tell you this so you will realize troubles can happen to anyone. Recovery has been slow but steady, still in Arizona.

[@happycook6737]

Going to cost more to live in the Phillipines if you expect similar standard of living

[@keithmelton4795]

Hay Paul and mike . This is some good info. Youl take care and injoy life over there

[@danomatic2779]

Great insight. I plan to move to PI and will definitely file my claim and wait for my first check before leaving the US. Thanks Mike for sharing your story.

[@Kmike54]

I am in the Philippines and was going to switch my address to here instead of the u.s. Now after hearing this I think I will just keep everything in the U.s. address so if there is any issues I can go thru U.S. social security offices and not just Manila. Thanks for the video

[@MickeyMousePark]

my advice keep US phone number and US address. even if it is virtual..it will make your life much easier dealing with US government

[@RCFSULAW]

In my case the Social Security was paid retroactively to the point of the first application for SS.

[@brucesnyder690]

He should have gotten everything straightened out and started getting payments before he went abroad.

[@scottward1002]

Good morning Paul and congratulations on the wedding🎉🎉🎉 I feel you would do everyone a favor if you told them to never come to the Philippines without getting all their ducks in a row in America before they leave…. Social Security here is a quagmire😢😢 John didn’t say if he had a pension or saving so he could last it out in the Philippines???

[@alfredkloos8591]

Hi Paul!.....nice to see you wearing a wedding ring.....congratulations!!🇨🇦

[@miket7966]

Much easier to do in the USA before you leave . You will get paid from the time you filed . Good Luck

[@flowstyle69]

Exactly I agree hundred percent get your money started before you even leave

[@brianhagberg3704]

Congratulations to you and Mae.

[@ronaldhein5739]

Paul, this gentleman is requesting the Washington person to due the work of the MINILA person. When they review the info on their computers, the info may be different due to typos, laziness or being over worked. If he goes to Manila he will get all his benefits much fasterAnd please inform he will get all the monies he is due.

[@yoyojoe9240]

As a Veteran,.... at 62..(2020) I went in person(with all documents) to the SSA office. 30 days after, 1st check...Just saying, if you are going to travel, relocate, live "permanently" or just be a "Full time Tourist"....it will be cost effective for you in time & $, to start the procedure Stateside. That will save you lots of grief. Once you have your funds electronically sent to a Bank account....You are Set.

[@gibblespascack1418]

This is good information to know. Apply for SS in the states (physically, VPN, keep phone from the states active until SS begins). Slow down, no need to rush things. Have forwarding mail service. Slow down, it will be there tomorrow. iPhone "setting" turn off "Block Unknown callers" for the US phone service. Take your time, Filipinas love romance and move very fast, don't jump the gun.

[@JamesIsHereRightNow]

The iPhone setting does not “block” unknown callers; it merely silences them and sends them directly to voicemail. Surely Social Security personnel routinely leave voicemails when calls go unanswered.

[@jspice-kl2wc]

Great interview, what a nightmare for Mike hope everything works out for him. Thank you for sharing. 👍👍👍

[@slipspur]

I lived in Bacolod City 3 years before I was eligible for SSI... when I was 2 months from 62 I flew to Manila and filed... it went smoothly for me

[@stevenbaer9061]

I think if you are going to depend on SS overseas it would be best to have it up and running as smooth as possible BEFORE moving to the PI.

[@ExpatNTraining]

Write a concise letter to your U.S. Senator and explain how are you exhausted all possibilities and you need their assistance ASAP! Also, email, snail mail (certified mail) the same representative. Copy all this to SSA and send that to your local SAA office.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

Good idea but use your Congressman, as its in their job description but not a Senator.

[@ExpatNTraining]

@@Matthew-gz4oh In my recent experience dealing with SSA I found my representative from Congress to be ineffective. After contacting a U.S. Senator in my state I received a return email in 24 hours and a return phone call from their staff within 72 hours where I was able to resolve my situation immediately. What's your experience dealing with SSA?

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

@@ExpatNTraining Happy for you. Sounds like you have a good Senator and a lousy Congressman. One out of two is pretty good in todays Washington.

[@joeldchenoweth]

Probably the take away (and thanks for sharing these videos for people, Paul) is that a person should "not" ex-PAT until the social security checks are already coming. Or, you should have some people back in the states you can crash with until you can sort this kind of thing out. Nowadays, a person cannot even get a drivers license without jumping through about three months of hoops... bureaucracy is a b****....

[@bigjohnson7415]

That's true, but you can run, but not hide. Sounds like the "Bureaucracy" in the Phils is 10 times worse.

[@k9companion231]

Agreed

[@lancemided3251]

If you think this story is representative of the expat experience, you haven’t done your research. And if the threat of this is enough to delay your expat experience by years, you may not have what it takes to realistically think about undertaking life in a foreign nation. There will be many challenges, requiring fast thinking, flexibility, problem solving skills and patience. The subject of this video was (or is) lacking in some of these skills and should not be considered a “typical” expat case. This man’s experience does not typify the expat experience but makes for entertaining theater (which is You Tubes forte). If you have enough resolve and grit you will not only avoid what he has suffered, but you will overcome the challenges and find a life that is far more rewarding and satisfying than in your home country regardless of which new country you choose.

[@markdittbenner9949]

You have no idea how much trouble it was to renew my drivers license in Hawaii... Absolute insanity... Government is completely broken

[@charleshueckstaedt5064]

@@lancemided3251 YOU ARE POINT ON ! 100 % .

[@JRINASIA]

Paul, great timing about this video. This morning I’m escorting my daughter to pick up her new U.S. passport in Tokyo. While I’m in embassy I will ask a few questions at Social Security office for my future Social Security payments. It’s scary not getting your Social Security payments in a timely manner. Great info today video.

[@dustbusterz]

Paul, I Think He Is Right . It is Best to Apply In The US. Reason I Say This Is Because 80% Of All Recipients Use An Attorney to File. Why? Because Social Security is Very Complicated (1) and They Are Extremely Particular,(2). If You File Yourself and Make even 1 Small Mistake, It Can Result in You Being Required to Refile ( Losing Any Back Pay You May Have Been Entitled to). Lawyers who Deal Exclusively With Social Security have 2 Advantages. 1) They Know The System Front to Back and Know What They Want and How They Want things Worded. 2) They Can Over the Years, Develop Tight Relatiobships With Key People Within The System, So They Can Generally Get Things Done, Even if They Run Into Any Unexpected Road Blocks.

[@darrylk808]

Thanks Mike. Great information/education. Sorry it was you that learned the hard way. Best of luck to you.

[@alexshortsplus]

Such great important content you have✌️✌️✌️💥

[@nretsfan]

I’m turning 62 in December. I’m in the US, but this makes me nervous.

[@steve3416]

Thanks Paul. Very Good Video and I hope you will do a few follow up videos. In 5 months I will be in the Philippines permanently and didn't think about running in to this SS problem.

[@josephwalker2355]

As a suggestion, I would gather up all my paperwork. Make an appointment for an in-person interview. In my years of dealing with the government, it has taught me that sometimes it's better in person. I hope everything works out.

[@johnharding9605]

The problem with Manila SS you can ask for an appointment, but they will not give you one at all. I asked four different times from Sept. 2022 - Feb. 2023, they never even replied to it! There is no more appointment calendar like they used to have.

[@wildbill7081]

@@johnharding9605 The current government is still milking the COVID thing as far as they can as the excuse especially in the US Embassy

[@JCizzleSoCal]

I would make an appointment with the US SS office and fly back for the appointment

[@nwced]

I guess I was lucky. I had lived in the Philippines 4 years when I filed for my SSI online. After that I was contacted by the Manila office and there was not a problem with anything. I recieved my letters from them to my Philippine address

[@roberth3094]

Make sure you tell your credit card company that your going to be overseas or they may shut your card off.

[@martypoll]

I wouldn’t put much credence in the letter that said you were “ineligible”. It just means that they couldn’t verify who you were. Once the person who they talk to is connected with your earnings record you will get your Social Security.

[@jimbo3609]

Thank you Mike and Paul for sharing about applying for SS benefits. Yes, it's better to apply at home than in a foreign country.

[@midlifewanderings]

I agree. That's why we will both make sure SS benefits start posting to our accounts before we head back to the Philippines.

[@jimbo3609]

@@midlifewanderings Good idea and good luck! God bless.

[@51dbail]

Get a VPN! Get magic jack and transfer your old #! Easy stuff! You need that home country # for banking! Thanks Paul for putting this up

[@blakewaddell8879]

So frustrating dealing with Social Security. Forced to pay in your entire career, then need to beg them like it's a charity instead of your earned benefit. Great video, good info, thanks for what you do Paul.

[@picadosinferno]

I agree but I'd like to highlight that social security is paid by people working right now, I understand people see it as a right, but if less people are working over time, the tendency is to find more and more difficulties to claim it.

[@blakewaddell8879]

@@picadosinferno agreed. Add to that that allowing more individuals to enter the US illegally to work without paying into the system isn't helping the system either.

[@jesse75]

I've never had any trouble. If I play dumb and stupid and disabled, they help me. Do everything for me.

[@johnharding9605]

For me only Manila SS, it's terrible.

[@wildbill7081]

@@mcluvin65 the problem now the US Embassy has been playing the current US Gov COVID game still here I have been there and there was NO problem with anything here until this happened and they just keep milking COVID and who's know how long

[@Richard-pr9tn]

Good one, Paul. Best of luck to Mike (you, too).

[@garykelder]

BE ADVISED THE MANILA OFFICE HANDLES ALL OF SOUTHEAST ASIA. Going to Manila is not the answer. They will not see you without an appointment. I had to schedule a “phone” interview and had to schedule four months in advance. So I decided to add it to my “to do” list during a one month trip to the USA last fall. I literally went into the social security office there without an appointment and did everything while there. They did do some of it retroactively and my benefits started about six weeks later.

[@jesse75]

I have been able to walk into any office in Manila or even Davao without an appointment and they will help me.

[@kenjohnson9654]

@@jesse75 I've been recently told that all offices and activities at the US Embassy in Manila is by appointment only, no walk-ins. I'm so surprised you were able to get help on a walk-in basis. Did they scold you or say anything about appointment only policy?

[@johnharding9605]

@@jesse75 That must have been years ago, before the pandemic. It has all changed now!

[@jesse75]

@@kenjohnson9654 honest. There's a big line in front of the Embassy. My wife is scared. I say Bull sh!t. I grab her by the hand walk in. Nobody said anything.

[@jesse75]

@@johnharding9605 Nobody has said anything when I walk in.

[@Saguaro215]

Good luck with your claim. I'm in the states and i'll be waiting by end of this year, i'll be 62. Hopefully, i have any problem and head back to philippines. Good luck.

[@bearcat729]

Very helpful on many topics. Thank you both.

[@bayareatanders]

I got mine when I was still working at 66. I went to the local SSS office and I got my automatic deposit the following month. I also sign in online to check my SSS earnings and other Medicare benefits. Its better to do it all in the US before traveling overseas.

[@Ty-dt8xv]

Really great interview and video 👍vary informative thank you 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏

[@EDINTHEWIND]

Paul I met you briefly at Manila airport. You we’re going to Cali and I was going to NY. This is why. I am a disabled union ironworker and live on SSDI and comp. I am comfortable but I went to the Philippines for a family life because I traveled so much for work. Unfortunately I lost SS because of proof of life stuff. I had too go home too fix it. A year later and I am still here because I can’t afford the ticket to get back. I can’t support me and the Philippines family in two countries at the same time. My heart is broken!

[@sean8514]

Thank you for your time and the info you guys! Its greatly appreciated. I really hope this gets cleared up ASAP for you Mike. Dot your i's, cross your T's, try to take any reason or excuse for denial and/or postponement out of the process. Positive thoughts and vibes heading your way Mike!

[@caryrevels6584]

Your best bet is return to the USA, use a family members address. Tell them you returned here. Once your receiving your monthly direct deposit. You can then return to Cebu...But as Paul mentioned have a USA number that will work as well in the Philippines.

[@john99776]

Good one, guys. Straight talk from capable, forward thinking, problem solving friends. Good luck and continued success.

[@terryashley4674]

I'm here in the US and I filled online in December 2022. I turn 70 in March. My application just sat for more than 8 weeks and I drove to the local Social Security office to get some answers. It turned out to be a hiccup from my old Civil Service days being enrolled in that system when I worked for the VA. Someone called me the next day and I resolved the matter within minutes. Now, I know when to expect my first check.

[@txtworld]

Terry, well done

[@woodrowcaudle]

I called the Social Security office near me to ask some questions about applying and 15 minutes later they had taken care of my application and I received my first check the next month.

[@JCizzleSoCal]

The simple trick is to handle US SS matters in the US before leaving to another country

[@IanCliffordart]

Sounds like a trip home is warranted to get things straightened out with S/S.

[@roberth3094]

When you get it all straightened out , you might get a big check.

[@SmallLiving958]

Thanks for the advice. It is so helpful to hear from people who've made mistakes. I don't wish the mistakes on them, but I appreciate their open-ness in sharing. I like how you interview them and bring up the things we need to hear.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jesse75]

Mistakes cost money. We learn on the cheap.

[@shawnmcfee2333]

@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 have u heard anything from John the guy u helped

[@StevenCullifer]

Paul, please pass this info on to Mike. Contact your United State Congressman (not Senator). They will contact SSA which will set a fire under their butts to get something done.

[@wrafl]

You will receive back pay from the date you filed. Right now you're in limbo but it will get straightened out eventually. After that it will be automatic into your bank direct deposit.

[@everyonehasadream]

Twice I had problems with Social Security and twice I contacted my United States Senator and twice my problems went away. 🙂

[@richamison4834]

Did the same thing with a different matter....problem solved. Government agencies typically have 48-72 hours to respond to a Congressional inquiry. I used to process them when I was working at the US Army Finance Center.

[@everyonehasadream]

@@richamison4834 Exactly, a government agency has to respond in a timely manner to a US Senator's request. I also used this method to expedite my request for my wife and daughter to migrate to America. I was assigned a high-ranking official at the Manila Embassy in early March of 2013. On April 9, 2013, my wife and daughter arrived in America. In my opinion, people waiting years for their spouse to join them in America is totally unacceptable.

[@richamison4834]

@@everyonehasadream That has got to be some type of record to process the application and arrive within a month. Great for you and your family.

[@everyonehasadream]

@@richamison4834 Yes, a great blessing for sure. John, at the Senator's office, said that he had never seen anyone get it done as fast. The Embassy Official in Manila wanted my daughter and I to be tested to see if our DNA was a match but that was waived as well.

[@jtla370]

@@everyonehasadream why would you not want your daughter tested?

[@timothybush9633]

Hi Paul & Mike, I'm 64 and on disability because I had a stroke and not really working anymore. Thankfully I had help with applying here in America so I've been getting my Social Security so Sorry Mike for all your troubles

[@phil-be-health]

Sorry to hear of your stroke. Hope for speedy recovery 🙏.

[@luismercado5139]

Excellent information, the audio was very good using the microphones.

[@Lanternsinthesky-studios]

Paul, you mentioned here that you waited to first receive a couple of SSN checks at 62 before you moved to PH which is what I'll do, too. What did you tell SSN when you did make the move to PH? Did you inform SSN that you were moving to PH by letter/e-mail/phone before you left (or afterward) and how have you been receiving your monthly check (I assume by online bank deposits)? You probably already have a video on this general topic on your channel but thought I'd ask? Great channel and lessons to remember here!

[@DiabloValleyPeds]

Thank you for sharing. Great information and applicable for other conundrums that occur when you are outside USA. Bottom line, have all things in order and working + have back ups to your back ups + and probably good idea to have plans to return to USA to allow for a cushion to sort out unforeseen problems. If you are sending things like electronics to countries outside of USA, use a network of expats / travelers to hand deliver your products. You can pay a little extra for the pleasure of carrying your stuff but you save yourself tremendous headache.

[@leroyybrown]

That’s why it’s recommended to come over for a vacation (or several) before actually retiring.

[@bigwaidave4865]

Only an idiot would agree to carry packages for someone else into a foreign country.

[@JJthelonelybullinasia]

Don't go to Manila unless you have an interview scheduled. They don't accept walk ins in the embassy.

[@shb7772000if]

I live in the Philippines and I had no trouble getting social security. I'm sure when you start getting it, you will be paid all the money retroactively you deserve.

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

Paul addressed this in his video on what he did to move to the Philippines. You apply for Social Security while living in the US BEFORE you move.. I love his advice, apply for social security while still working in the USA. Once it starts being deposited you continue to work until you reach the maximum amount of money you can earn while collecting SS then you retire and move.. Make sure your SS is working being deposited into your account BEFORE you move over seas

[@ChristopherKnN]

I'm not waiting until 8 more years. I'll fight the battle when it's time.

[@jamesrecknor6752]

If these kids don't listen, they are going to be living in a multi cab, DOWN BY THE RIVER!

[@kennethschweighardt4920]

@@jamesrecknor6752 Or perhaps tent encampments on the streets of Manila?

[@jamesrecknor6752]

@@kennethschweighardt4920 That would bring a little Seattle / LA cultural enrichment to Manila.

[@keith4826]

Each person can choose their way and time of doing things. I came to the Philippines almost a year before I received my first SS payment. I was not relying on SS to fund that part of my retirement. Mike seemed to be financially prepared for the move also. Manila has a SS office. US Citizens have successfully filed for and received SS by going thru the Manila office. The longer it takes for Mike to get his first SS checks... the bigger the checks will be. If someone wants to stay and work until they file in the US... Go ahead.... I am just saying the the one's that have their stuff ready. Done the research. Have short term, mid term and long term savings. Plan for a budget. Be prepared to go over budget. ( or not ) Come on over. If your SS income is the holy grail for your retirement then absolutely file in the US first. But if SS is just part of it and someone is 58 , 59, 60 and has put a plan together. Go for it. Just research, research and then research some more. Sorry to here Mike is having these problems but problems have a way of getting fixed. Maybe not as fast as we'd like but fixed all the same.

[@davidevans474]

Any time doing something on line with government or city hall is a mistake for me . Deal in person with people eye to eye contact is the best and write down the time and who you talk to .

[@douglasdague4901]

Lesson learned apply for social security in the United States and receive benefits before moving out of America!

[@ralphstewart4025]

I applied through Manila and everything just sailed through. I was so surprised. At least he'll get a nice lump sum back payment once everything catches up.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Fingers crossed!

[@superdave1921]

What I glean from this is to get your social security in the USA before leaving for a foreign country.

[@MickeyMousePark]

yes..and wait for a couple of months deposits to make sure everything is working properly

[@edwardschwartz8181]

Mike had lots of fun and a great time in Niagara as well. Sometimes we need to look in the mirror and it all becomes clear.

[@iglehart14]

This is a great video. By the way congratulations

[@rickylee6129]

Excellent VIDEO Paul & Mike 📹. I already have my Social Security going, no worries. Foreigner Joe (Vlogger) in Thailand 🇹🇭 just started his ordeal with Social Security. Joe was going to come to Manila to get it started but ended up doing a Video call to Manila. I highly recommend setting everything up in the states. Hope everything gets straightened out for Mike. Stay Safe ❤️ 💙 🙏 🙏

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

Thanks for sharing

[@RubberCityRebel]

Nice dual Mic setup Paul

[@01redlightning]

Ok Mike and Paul. I went thru that 8 years ago turning 62. I went on line and signed up for an appointment at the US Embassy in Manila. They gave me 9am appointment slot, window 19. At exactly 9am my name was called. The interview started,,,,marital status,,,when and where was the divorced,,,etc. They assign a SS person according to the last name,,,which I noted down and got her landline direct number. Then asked me if I have a local bank,,,which I did. However I was given a package to give to the bank to open another account specifically for my SS benefit checks, and that no other activity except the benefit monthly deposits. My question to Paul is, did you personally go to the US Embassy in Manila?? If you did it all online is the first wall you hit. The interview is critical for the benefit application. Passport and SS number was all that is required. Second wall, was you got US SS folks involved. That is why there is a US Embassy in Manila for SS application benefits. There are 3 others that I have shared the process I went through,,,got an appointment online showed up in person and have no problem getting their benefits. BTW,,,,your benefits will be retro active from the time you turned 62,,,,so no problem there. I think it was 6-8 weeks for the first check to hit my SS account. I just subscribe with Mike's blog, if you need more info on this glad to help. But you must show up in person for the interview, anybody can be an impostor. Hope this helps. Take care. Rene

[@thehoranzys9938]

He should have used a VPN showing America when applying and kept the US phone until all his business in America was complete

[@kimpoindexter1481]

I filed from Fiji 5 Years ago. I had to deal with Manila. I had no problems, They called me here in Fiji. easy peasy.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

Great venue for the interview versus that coffee shop.

[@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234]

It sure is!

[@emmanuelgoldstein4371]

Great interview !!

[@mikehill2505]

Took 4 months to receive my 1st paycheck. Got 3 months of benefits, they are always a month behind.

[@piratecovephilippines4711]

I did mine online while living in the Philippines with no problem at all, was very easy and smooth process. All you had to do is make sure you were available at took that phone interview, that is the key. For something as important as getting your SS benefits, you have to stay on top of the process . To say that SSA is the problem is not entirely correct, yes once a problem comes up they are slow to resolve issues, but you could have avoided it all together.

[@grumpyolddude439]

When I applied for my SOc Sec here in CA in Dec 2022; after 3 months they had not advanced the application beyond the 2nd stage of 3. Si I had to call my Senator and things began to happen, and in April I got my Soc Sec.

[@papasmurf5598]

What a cluster to have to deal with. You want to move to places like the Philippines and Thailand and your thinking paradise but in reality the move can be frustrating and a pain in the wallet if you don’t do your homework.

[@wjebel]

Good video. Guys with less margin for error than Mike should do the more conservative approach. Waiting till the SS starts rolling in before moving to the Philippines. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you definitely don't want to end up like that John guy or that guy eating people's left over food at the mall.

[@johnsolenberg201]

Paul I really enjoy your “interviews”. You absolutely crack me up. You kindly state the obvious to US men about what the local women are doing, and they ignore you and continue to justify their actions. Great entertainment. Keep up the good work!!!

[@richamison4834]

As Alan Dill stated already, contact your Congressional office. I had an issue for 6 months attempting to receive GI Bill benefits. Contacted the local congressman's office...received all the back pay within 2 weeks.

[@michaely1164]

Paul, I also viewed another one of your videos today regarding your meeting with the new US Embassy head in the Philippines. I believe that video was in December. In that, you mentioned that Mr Embassy was also the head of Social Security Dept. My suggestion is if you could call Mr Embassy (you have is tel. number) and explain Mike's social security issues that Mr Embassy could help out by getting the right person(s) within soc. security to help Mike and not give any more run arounds and delays. This is waaayyyy to long for Mike to wait. On a side note, SSA will probably give Mike a lump sum amount of the back payments that are due and then his monthly payments should begin. Good luck and speedy processing. And thank you for your videos!

[@anthonysawyer4079]

Great information! Thank you

[@murrayspiffy2815]

I did my SocSec online in the States - filed - got my first check in 45 days. It was so easy - it was like they couldn't wait to give me the money.

[@peteking6956]

Maybe things have changed but I filed for my SS from CR using a USA address. No VPN used. SS sent me an email because the ph number I gave them was disconnected. No issues. They asked for direct deposit instructions. I said direct Express. So I got my SS on due date. Now direct express is a nightmare so avoid them at all costs. Of course he will get back payments. Both of you know very little about how system works. I read about SS on their website. Baby Mae will never get a penny if Paul's SS unless she lives in the USA for 10 yrs

[@78swats]

Baby Mae will get half of Paul's SS if she lives in US for 5 years and become a citizen.

[@sandrabentley8111]

@@78swats 10 years. Just did it.

[@78swats]

@@sandrabentley8111 Why 10 years pray tell.

[@sandrabentley8111]

@@78swats In the SS rules. To apply for spousal benefit or ex spousal, must be married 10 years or more.

[@esteeb42]

My husband passed away October 27th 2022…I Contacted Social Security to get some help and have some questions answered as I had not quite reached 60 years old. I was told one thing when I called one time and told a totally different thing when I called the second time. I definitely felt like the right hand did not know what the left was doing. It wasn’t until I had my phone appointment that took me two months of waiting for that I thought my Questions got answered correctly.

[@IB4U2Cme]

I filed in Manila, just one visit to Manila and no problem. No kids, just SS. But check arriving at US bank did take a little time and I think a month longer than I expected. ... and I did not file online.

[@kbschulze]

Good video, couple more years i will be applying. Think I will go stay in the States to get it going.

[@g8way2k1]

Cut short: My brother moved to the Philippines already collecting SS before he moved. A problem cropped up so he "called" SS in Manilla. He was told that SS in Manilla has nothing to do with SS in the U.S. End Result? He flew back to the U.S. to take care of that and some other business. I hope this gentleman's issues with SS is resolved soon. But as I read below, Mr. Charley Nelson managed to successfully do business with the SS office in Manilla Embassy, so I'm wondering if my brother was given false information. It's hideous how he is being pushed aside, seemingly for no real fault of his own. Bureaucracy at it's worse. Shame on them!! I think he would be given retroactive funds, but there may be a limit as to how many months retro they will give. I wish him all the best.

[@Matthew-gz4oh]

I feel bad for him as I am at FRA (66.4 mo) on April 8, so 3 weeks ago I applied online got a text to confirm me, and within 3 days got a email that all was approved and a hard letter came a week letter in the mail confirming the email. First check in May.

[@markhammer1902]

It is a disaster over here too. I filed online and it took almost three months for it to go through. I am helping my mother apply for spousal benefits and Social Security is wanting to charge her for Medicare which she is already paying through her civil service retirement. They will not send their her spousal benefits until she sends them a check. We have shown them the paperwork that shows she is already paying for Medicare but it doesn't seem to be going anymore. This is how we treat our elderly in the US

[@jesse75]

3 months is the norm. Don't b!tch and complain.

[@markhammer1902]

@@jesse75😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

[@Photojouralist123]

Guys I 've in Kuala Lumpur and clames by SocSec from here online some 4 years ago and interviewed from Manila SocSec office she asked me a few questions and then 3 months later I started getting my checks auto deposit into my Seattle acct every 2 or 3rd of every month for the past 4 years no problem including the recent COLA to.

[@jared40000]

Yeah he should have just made sure he opened the account before he went there. But it's still a good video for people who are thinking about doing that. Now they know what they'll run into.

[@leroyybrown]

For most people a holiday is recommended before coming out to retire, kinda like a trial run. That way you can straighten out any kinks when you go back home. I’m coming over in March for a 3 week vacation and I’ve booked a condo in Makiti to begin with on Agoda and then another condo in Cebu on AirBnb. Plenty to choose from. However when exploring Dumaguete accommodation options it’s actually quite limited. It famously doesn’t have traffic lights so I can’t expect a Pattaya like strip of skyscrapers. PS the IPhone setting is Settings/Phone/Silence unknown callers (off)

[@jamesrecknor6752]

BEST way to to do it

[@keith4826]

I sold everything I could and gave away the rest. The only question was what country ? Been in the Philippines almost a year now. It's awesome. Setup a virtual mailbox. Get 2 , 3 or 4 ways to get your money. Expect things to go wrong. Have a plan B. Have fun.

[@BC19572]

Filing directly by phone/ email with the manila embassy was very easy. I notified them in June and they called to interview me that August. I turned 62 in September. It took about 10-15 minutes to complete the phone interview. They basically confirm your information. I didn't have to send them anything for the process.

[@sandrabentley8111]

How long did it take until you received your first check or DD? Thank you.

[@BC19572]

@@sandrabentley8111 received my first DD in the following November. Whatever your birth month is and once approved we get paid in the second month following your birth month. It's actually the October payment but paid in November. For example, birth month is January, you will receive your first payment in March. It's never been late and I receive mine in a Philippine bank.

[@keith4826]

Same here. I went thru the US Embassy in Manila. Emailed them and waited. I read that it might take 4-6 weeks for a reply. They replied in 3 weeks via email. Told me I had a phone interview in approximately 2 weeks later. At the exact time the interview was scheduled my phone rang. They called on my PH number. I was ready with google voice and a local number. A very pleasant Filipina conducted my interview. Her English was excellent and the interview went on without any problems. I chose to delay my payments until Jan 23, Just for tax purposes. My "packet" was mailed to my condo in Metro Manila. Security called to let me know I had received it and it was in my mailbox. The entire process was stress free.

[@jesse75]

Here's the truth. Every story everyone has a different experience when dealing any paperwork issues in the Philippines. Best thing is be patient. Try to get along. Maybe even pay a bribe to get something done. But each person and his situation will go different.

[@BC19572]

@Jesse pay a bribe? I hope you were being sarcastic. Paying a bribe and other similar things is why expats are in legal trouble in the Philippines. Just follow the rules and do your own research on what you're interested in.

[@seattle40]

I do hope your story is the exception.. I moved here at 60 and lived on my 401k... Applied on "MY SS" online from here in ths P.I. and had no problems at all.. 1st check was correct and on time.. Best of luck !

[@seattle40]

@paulinthephillippineolddog1. you have a prize for me?

[@IntegrationalEdu]

It says on the SS website that if you're living abroad you must apply through the US embassy in that country. I did that and had no problem at all, got it quite quickly. The currency is changed through the embassy, then I get a deposit in the local currency in my account. Good luck, but just follow the instructions.

[@rikkim4818]

Love to see wearing your bling Paul. Wear that wedding ring proudly u 2 .