When Things Go Wrong in the Philippines/Denied His Social Security Benefits?@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 I chat with my friend Mike, who was denied his social security benefits when filing online from the Philippines
You're a 100% right you don't wanna mail your passport out. During the pandemic being married at 1 point you needed a 9A Visa and your passport to travel to the Philippines If you were married like i am they never maild that back to me ended up losing that passport never got the 9A they had me send money for never will do that again got another passport thank God it came 2 1/2 weeks later during the pandemic something good happened ,,,
Hi Paul, I filled my Social Security personally at the Manila, American Consulate office. That's when I was 62. Everything went well and check has been coming on scheduled. If I may suggest, Go to Manila, American Consulate office and do it personally. Don't do it on line especially if it the first time.
@@bluewaterbuddy If I remember it right, it took them three months before my first check arrived. They sent me two payments. My regular Social Security check and the months that they were delayed in sending my first check.
FYI 1. You can file for social security up to four months before your date. 2. You should check the website for messages and status every week until it is approved.
Correct.. Only took 2 weeks to get my first SS check at 63. I was displaced sent to California my home state from working in Afghanistan during Covid April 2020. I could not enter the Philippines. I wanted to wait till 66/4 months full amount since I paid into the system since 1972. I was able to enter the Philippines October 2020. In the meantime I have traveled through 6 countries and never got Covid.
Absolutely file (if possible) while in the US. I waited until the flow began as I did not want to be in the Philippines and a problem come up. I mean, we are talking about the US government.
This seems like an easier process if done in the states. Once retired overseas, the plan is to make an annual trip back to the US each year to see family/friends, so I'll use that opportunity to apply for SSA benefits in-person. When it comes to phone numbers, I will probably maintain two devices: one with a local number and the other with a US number (not just for verification purposes, but as a backup in case something happens to one of the phones). Setting up a VPN on your PC is also a good idea.
My wife filed social security online from the Philippines, it was easy, we filled out the application online giving our Philippine address and phone number and email about 2 to 3 months before her 62nd birthday. She received an email setting up date and time for a phone interview. After the interview she told my wife to check if approved with her SS online account. Within two or three weeks it was approve. She turned 62 in May of that year and in June she received her first direct deposit, all it took was filling out a online application, an email giving a her date and time for phone interview and a 30 minutes phone interview. I think his mistake was not using his own phone contact. in the Philippines.
@@billdb8854 It seems there are good and bad experiences with this situation. In my case, since I would already be back in the states to visit family, I can set aside part of an afternoon to go to a local SSA office and apply.
VPN USA numbers not accepted for 2 point verification by banks, government, and financial institutions in the united states . Did you find a work around?
I have a phone with a US number, and use it for verification without issues, in Davao. I have enabled wifi calling and use a VPN that I set to a US server. This is my “secure” phone Not used outside of the house and only on my wifi
@@gregparker5251 what's the name of the VPN service please? I'm stuck paying $50.00 per month on TMobile to retrieve government and US bank verification while retired in Makati. Can you help?
The iphone feature is called "Silence Unknown Callers". If this is "On" you won't see the incoming call but you will still get the voice mail message if the caller leaves voice mail. Also, I believe that this iphone feature (which has been available for years) is normally turned off: the user has to manually turn it on.
I filled while living in the Philippines and didn't have any of these problems. They never asked for an American address and the office in Manila handled the entire process and all went through without any issues.
I would be too worried I would run into problems. However, I usually have bad luck with important paperwork etc... I'd rather do it in person here in the States , plus I can walk to the social security office since it's 6 blocks or so from my house.
I applied online here in the Philippines and someone from SSI in the embassy called me and we talked. 6 months later, I received my pension and it was accumulated monthly based on the day I applied since I was already 67 when I did. SSI in Manila are very helpful and professional.
I ran into a similar situation here in Costa Rica when I first applied, out of desperation I contacted the US Embassy here, and low and behold, the nice young gentleman took all of my information and said don't worry, we'll make this happen for you. It took about another month, but then the funds started showing up in my bank account every month, and have been regularly ever since. So, when in doubt call your Embassy, that's what they are here for.
I have magicjack at $40 a year here in the Philippines. It's a fantastic service, just as if you were in the USA. Only problem is some financial institutions will not send text/codes over any service using an internet connection(VOIP).
Yes indeed I just filled my SSI and Walk in submitted all requirements and interviews in person very quick after just waiting my first check Thanks God since then everything ok
I called the manila embassy when I was in the philippines and scheduled a phone interview. The interview took about ten minutes. They basically confirm your personal information. I was surprised how simple it was as I had my doubts about starting my benefits while in the Philippines.
Hi Paul and Mike thank you for the updated information I truly appreciate you looking out for us foreign Men and giving the True information. GOD Bless You Both and Baby Mae TOO 😇🙏😇
I only know one friend who filed online and he had similar issues. I've had several friends and family file in both Manila and U.S. in person with no issues. Seems the solution is, don't file online. Great subject and interview Paul, hope to see a follow-up video with your friend.
Hi Paul, thanks for the video. I am expecting my first check in January fingers crossed. In regards to your Virtual mailbox, when I got mine there was a special form to fill out and have notorized to allow them to open and scan. I was able to do the notory online for like $30.usd
I’m only 56, and plan to retire way before 62. And will be living in Philippines. From some of your comments, seems best to do it in Manila.. hope I have no issues as well
While living in the Philippines, I have used the USPS website for a change of address without any problems. I use my son's address for my mailing address and when he moved, had to change mailing address.
The filing window opens 4 months prior to your birthday. I just filed in November - phone appointment scheduled in January...A couple of thoughts. If you're an American headed overseas, a dual SIM phone is a godsend. No, Apple doesn't make one to my knowledge, being the control freaks they are. I have a Samsung. Works great. Keep a barebones plan for talk and text to placehold your US number, then use the dual slot for your PI number...I didn't realize that SSA actually had an office in Manila!...Interesting - and useful! Another option would be to use the office in Guam (two hour flight, with variable fares from MNL). The reputation of that office is so-so, but it beats the hell out of an 11 hour flight back to the West Coast or Hawaii...Great post, Paul!...
I am surprised about all the difficulty with filing for SSA benefits and eventually receiving benefits. My husband and I are US citizens (I am dual citizen). We moved here in the Philippines when we were not yet 62. When my husband filed for his retirement benefits, he opened a special account in a Ph bank the is approved by the US government to receive SSA benefits. The bank was told that this is an account that will be receiving monthly SSA benefits. The bank then told us they submit the paperwork to SSA in the US Embassy in Manila. ]There are many Ph banks that you can choose from. He files for a claim 3 months before turning 62. The application was done online. We DID NOT need a US address, DID NOT need a US bank account, and DID not need a US phone number. Then an SSA representative called his Ph phone number and said since he lives in the Ph, someone from SSA in the US Embassy in Manila will call him for an interview. He was called and the usual questions were asked. He was given info on how much he will receive, and when the first transfer will occur, which was a month after his 62nd birthday. And voila, he received his benefits as they said. And he continues to receive them without a hitch! When I turned 62, I did the exact same thing. This time email was more efficient. SSA in Manila and I emailed a lot and voila, I received my benefits the month after I turned 62 and has been coming in like clockwork. There is information in the SSA website about this. I just can't seem to find it right now. I'm going to post it here when I find it. All I can say is it was easy peasy for my husband and I. Has been and everything runs so smoothly. I am really puzzled why it has not worked out for many of the vloggers I watch and their friends.
Yes the same for me I was already living here in the Philippines back in early 90's when I filed for SSA benefits and just went to the office in Manila US Embassy and with two months started receiving my benefits.......and I am still here here still alive receiving my benefits
You can apply for your SS benefit up to four months before your 62 birthday. On what Wednesday of the month you receive your deposit depends on your birthday. Mine is on the 23rd so I receive mine on the fourth Wednesday of the month. No matter what date your birthday is on you will not receive the first payment until you have completed one full month of being 62. My birthday month is April and my first full month of being 62 was May, I received my first deposit on the 4th Wednesday of June.
Well my social security payments always come by at least the 3rd of each month (my birthday falls on the 3rd) but not on a specific Wednesday??? Sometimes if the 3rd falls on a Sunday, then my payment arrives on the 1st. Why are you staying that payments happen only on Wednesdays?
@@bartonpercival3216 While Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive their first checks on December 30 (since SSI checks go out on the 1st of the month, but that is a holiday and weekend day in 2023), the payment schedule for general Social Security recipients are still on Wednesdays depending on birthdate. For birth dates that fall on the 1st through the 10th, recipients are paid on the second Wednesday of each month. For birth dates that fall on the 11th through the 20th, recipients are paid on the third Wednesday of each month. For birth dates that fall on the 21st through the 31st, recipients are paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
@@jamesdean9084 The 30 day rule is for SSI. The benefit for people that do not get regular SS. I collect SSDI and I've been here in Davao for 7 months.
Untrue. If you are living in Philippines, file your claim in SSA office in Manila. The U.S. consolidate is the U.S. government. I suggest going to the U.S. Social Security office in Manila in person. He would not have this sort of complication if he went there directly.
Paul you have your head on your shoulders. Though living on and off in China many years.....Covid caught me out in TRANSIT in Thailand coming through from Myanmar......disaster as frontier closed being a Non-Resident! Everything came a grounding halt due the Covid when trying to use CB and pay the Bills....... When in China everything ran smoothly for years - but visa stopped for foreigners due Covid.
You can file 3 months before you turn 62. You should do it by phone while you’re in america. It gets approved while you’re on the phone. Call them at 0800 in the morning. Remember to call exactly 3 months before your 62nd birthday. Have an American bank account.
I filed online from the US without any issues. I did receive a follow-up phone call from Social Security verifying my questions. All-in-all it was easy.
Thanks Paul for this video. Not receiving SSA check was my #1 worries in going home to the Philippines for the rest of my life. Through this video my what if, is answered. At least now I know where to go in case I don't get my check.
@@craiggallup5706 Again, why are some people in the comments had it easy dealing with the Philippines SSA? Have you been denied? Maybe you didn't have enough points to collect SSA retirement. Maybe you are claiming SSI. SSI recipients are not allowed to live outside of United States for more than a month.
I have two accounts. My military pension and service disability checks are deposited to a bank in the Philippines. I had to open an account in the USA with the Philippine bank and my social security goes to a bank in the USA. I've had no problems so far and have been living in the Philippines for over a year. I do have a physical address in the USA. Another great informative video Paul. Thanks
Paul, this is an excellent video for all the guys are at the cross-roads of filing for SSI. As always. do your homework especially if it will involve your future income. Start prepping and lining up all documentation, mail forwarding services, bank accounts, phones, relatives and US addresses that will be required for you to receive your paycheque. So many times expats ask the same questions over and over again from people like you, instead of taking down information like this to get ready. Good video guys👍
You can't get SSI if you're living outside of the States! It sucks, IMHO, as the cost of food stamps, and subsidized housing, is eliminated! SSR, and SSD, are no problem, but SSD requires a yearly statement from the Number Holder( the recipient), until you're retirement age
Yes I agree that you should set up SSI benefits while you are in the USA if possible as I had to supply some data that would have been a pain outside the country. They can begin benefits up to 6 months in arears. I have an unlocked cell via T-Mobile and there is a way to set up virtual sim T-Mobile sim card freeing up a slot for a "local" sim card. the cool thing about that is you can keep your USA number active while using the local card for the good internet.
Thank you Paul for broadcasting this issue of ss retirement it really help's people like you and me on how to go about it. I wish you uncover more knowledge about it God bless and keep it comin'
Exactly. I filed today and before I leave I will make sure everything is good. They ask me to give them my address and phone number. People saying it’s not needed please tell us how they contacted you when or if it was a problem? I have also been on top of my health. Watching these videos is a great teaching moments. Paul you do a great service to us all.
Paul, was a finance manager in the USA, this guy's long version of this clumsy map must be hurting his eye balls. Not only a good video but Paul's patience of Jobe.
I would recommend every American relocating to the Philippines to maintain a US phone number that can answered in the Philippines (MagicJack or Google Voice are examples) and a US based mail service (virtual mailbox and forwarding service) that receives all US mail (that cannot be switched to e-delivery). Examples include US Global Mail, Earth Class Mail, Anytime Mailbox, etc. These two things will save an enormous amount of time/frustration dealing with US services including banking, brokerage, SSA, etc. A very good VPN is also invaluable. Great video that highlights what can be a very unpleasant and unexpected experience.
Thank you Mike and Paul for the info. Every time I hear these situations, it gives me tidbits of what I need to do before I get on the plane to move to Negros Oriental, in 2023. Thanks, and Meereen Christmas☃️❄️🎅🎄🙏🏻
More importantly, be prepated and start gathering in a file all that which will be required of you to file - do not wait until the last minute to start gathering the paperwork
@reynolds1190 I was just thinking that . Not to say anything bad about smoking, but my brother is a 38-year-old smoker, and I didn't ever . I'm also 11 years older. When we hang out somewhere, people almost always ask who's the younger brother.
hello paul i am hear in the Philippines your guest about ssi was turned down what he needs to do just like i did is i had the magic jack that i use hear and i downloaded it on my cell phone and i can use wifi and its like being in the USA i have used a lot and it you can text make phone just like the USA
As per many comment already, if one is living overseas then everything should be handled by the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the U.S. Embassy. One will get the ball rolling with an email. Once one is living overseas this is the way to go for Medicare and Social Security Benefits. Starting point will be the website for the U. S. Embassy for that country.
Loved the story about the man who read to the lady in the nursing home,brother that what we need more of,as you know that love comes to us from are father in heaven.keep telling those stories.I am in the us,hope to visit some day.
Great interview and I commend you on your service to us expats here (and other locations overseas). You are doing a great service for sure! Keep up the good work!
Hi paul. Thanks for the information and i will do that for sure, wait till i'm clear to leave the states and social security secured. Thanks and take care.
As an Australian already on my Age pension before coming here I went to pension office told them I was going and got told if going for no more than 6 weeks nothing changes but over that time my medicine supplement and rent supplement are no longer paid .I told them I was going permanent and the adjustment was made to my pension.
Is that a negative adjustment for medicine and rent after 6 weeks when you told them you were going permanent? The pension office assumes you do not need to live anywhere or take meds after 6 weeks?
I saw a video that said pensioners (military pension) from a England that move to certain countries lose their annual COLA raises (cost of living adjustment) once they leave England. Did not affect retirees who moved to USA but did affect those that had moved to Canada. Go Figure.
@@robert3987 less one tells most gov'ts the better...it is called "street smarts", just like surviving in the business world...the "to the letter of the law" way of doing BIZ or the pragmatic way, and surviving. Lots of gravestones in the cemetery for following the "rigid letter of the law", or "out of business"! Decide the risks, upside and downside and be prepared to pay the piper with ones decisions to survive!
I'll be right at that point in a few months I'm going to wait until I get my first check deposited and put in a change of address to have mail go to a relative while keeping the same bank. I had asked about this very scenario last year and could never get a straight answer from anyone in the Philippines so I assumed that most just turn the benefit on before leaving the US.
@@DHarri9977 I retired from the US military, was hoping by now the US would have a joint based reopened there AS WAS the plan before Duterte came to office and got all pissy faced towards the West, said that he joined a 3 way alliance with China and Russia only to say about 1 year later that he may have made a mistake. But I have a bank account with Navy Federal and an office would have been opened on the bases making it easy for me to deal with, so I guess I have to deal with bank to bank transfers because I also have a military pension along with SS so it's easy to have everything go to Navy Federal and then do bank transfers. But yeah I have to deal with the change of address thing and haven't done enough research to know if I should retain a US address in which case I could use my brother, or just have the address be one in the PH.
This was much to important to me to make sure everything was done with no issues so I filed here in the US online. I did receive a phone call to verify personal information and to verify i was not a scammer. I also received a letter that states when my benefits will start and the dollar amount i will receive. My first dispersment will be deposited on Feb of 2023 but I am taking Paul's advice and making sure that we get two deposits without any issues before heading back to the Philippines.
I retired here at age 58 then filed through the Manila SSA office just prior to turning 62... never had a problem. They called me for "the interview" and all was good. Nary a glitch.
If you have children under 18 you will have to give them the phone number of the child’s mother if the child doesn’t live with you. Your child gets a separate check til age 18. The child’s check doesn’t affect the amount you receive. If you upgrade to disability your child’s amount will drop. It’s retroactive to the date you file
I claimed my Soc Sec from here in Kuala Lumpur, and had to call the Manila Soc Sec office. I had no problem as I have a bank account in Washington. At 65 I got my medicare card and it was sent to my Kuala Lumpur number.
Social Security suspended my payments for approximately 5 months because I had not given them a permanent address in the Philippines. I had been receiving them for some 5 years. It was quite a process here because they only accept phone calls in Manila two days per week for 3 hours. Cannot even estimate how many times I called. And when I did call I would wait some 45 minutes for them to answer. Once I made contact it always it will take 2 weeks. Then two weeks again. Finally I contacted th US Embassy in Manila. It was only then that I got help. There is more to the story. But you guys get the jist.
You can create the SOS account online way before the retirement age so they have your personal information ready when you are applying for the benefits!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm about 6 years shy of retiring and heading over there perminantly this is very useful for me to hear now. BTW I was just there in the PH for a month, VPN is a must not just for business like this but it also enables you to stream US TV and movies that you otherwise would not be able to access without it. Thank you both again for sharing this experience & Merry Christmas!
Start building a file and gathering information that will be required for you to have a successful filing. Knowledge is power and the more informed you are, the better you will be
@Aidajof also great advice, I'm also following my colleagues at work that are older as they retire, taking in whatever tidbits of info they have to share from their experiences. Six years feels like a long ways away but it will be here before you know it.
Glad I did my SS in the USA before moving to the Philippines. One phone call to set up an interview over the phone 3 months before my 62 birthday. They called me, answered questions, 10 min was done with no problems.
Fyi, if you are a Veteran or Retired military you can acquire an (FPO) Mail Box from the Retiree Affairs Office (RAO) within your area or contact the (VFW) for further guidance to receive U.S. Mail directly to your person."
Thanks for the PSA👍Dealing with financial matters generally should have personal appearance, and like he said, ~"should have just went to Manila SSA". Did you see Philly's trip to US for doctor visit? Philippines may be slow and meticulous but they are generally knowledgeable and helpful🤗
Don't trust the post office in the Philippines, it will take months or sometimes your letter/ parcel will disappear somewhere. Except if the letter or parcel has a tracking number then that's a different story, you can definitely get it.
Setup "My Social Security" online and file for your social security on that site. Very simple process. I live outside of the USA and used my brothers US address. Job done, very efficient.
I can totally relate with the issues of dealing with the Social Security Administration. It’s anything but convenient. I had the same issue, I never received any contact after filing and waited three months before I finally got a hold of them. My problem is I was still working full time so I couldn’t get benefits. They told me they could suspend my payments or wait until I stopped working full time. I stop working in three days and my benefits are SUPPOSED to start in January. We’ll see how it goes 🤷🏼♂️
Mail from the SS is consistently never received in the Philippines it’s happened to me quite a few times and if it is delivered it’s very tight to get the reply to them by their dead line as I have seen it take 30+ days in the mail before delivery. SS in Manila is a very short window to get in to see them and they still have to consult with the USA for clearances and any abnormal issues they are not used to dealing with. Having a USA address and contact number is a great idea to keep up and can be costly if not a relative to handle the mail for you. The phone contact needs to be a USA number and don’t forget they are around 15 to 18 hours time difference. Return mails to the USA is to a P.O. Box and some expedited carriers can’t deliver to this type of receiving at a P.O. Box so be aware of who you send the reply through.
One added item on SS in the Philippines is that it’s not so convenient to have to show up in Manila to the embassy if you are based on one of the outer islands or provinces so it’s a definite plus to get it all straightened out before you arrive. As Paul said watch the first two checks get into the bank to be assured it’s all ok.
I went through some monumental tech related snafus of similar nature (not SSA), but other financial related stuff in the middle of Covid lockdowns. Many nights I was up until 4 am just to get in one phone call. It was a nightmare, primarily caused by bot problems. Folks who reside outside of the States really need to be on their toes and stay updated on a routine basis. I found that keeping a firm U.S. phone number (which I have now) to be a huge benefit when dealing with verification issues (which nowadays comes up constantly). Without one you can be at a real disadvantage. It is really a shame that the tech folks have turned everything upside down. It's a friggen mess. Another recommendation for anyone considering (or currently) living abroad. Establish a good home base address for mail to be sent or at minimum a mail forwarding service. Those two things are almost becoming essential. Even with them there can still be major headaches. Without them you can find yourself in a never ending nightmare.
