U.S. FEDERAL BENEFIT INFORMATION

The Consulate in Chiang Mai does not directly process Social Security, veteran's benefits (VA), or other Federal Benefits claims.  However, we can assist United States citizens or dependents to access Federal Benefits through the regional Social Security/VA office in Manila.

We can assist by:

• Providing information and forms
• Certifying supporting documents for applications
• Contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other agencies to follow up on claims and applications, report change of address, and report non-receipt of benefits
• Assisting you to sign up for Direct Deposit of your monthly check

To get help with these, please make an appointment for "other services" via our appointment website: http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service/appointments/.

For detailed information regarding Direct Deposit, please view the following information sheet:  Direct Deposit (PDF).

VETERANS BENEFITS

For information and frequently-used forms for veteran's benefits, please see the website of the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/

The VA also has a special web page of information for veterans residing outside the United States at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Foreign/forfaq.htm.  You can also ask the VA specific questions through the VA's Inquiry Routing and Information System, https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php.exe/enduser/home.php.

The VA office that covers Thailand is located in Manila.  Its mailing address is:

Department of Veterans Affairs
1131 Roxas Blvd., Ermita
0930 Manila, Philippines 96440

SOCIAL SECURITY

For information and frequently-used forms regarding Social Security, please visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at:  www.ssa.gov.  Also, scroll down this page to the list of "Social Security Frequently Asked Questions," which also addresses Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) coverage while you are in Thailand. 

The SSA office that covers Thailand is located in Manila.  Its mailing address is:

Social Security Administration Division
Department of Veterans Affairs
1131 Roxas Blvd., Ermita
0930 Manila, Philippines 96440

SOCIAL SECURITY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  Can I receive Social Security Benefits while living in Thailand?

Yes.  If you are a United States citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments while residing outside of the United States as long as you are eligible for them.

While you are living outside of the United States, Social Security will periodically send you a questionnaire.  You will need to return the questionnaire to the office that sent it as soon as possible. If you do not, your payments will stop.  In addition to responding to the questionnaire, it is imperative that you notify the Social Security Administration promptly about changes that could affect your payments.

If you work or own a business outside the United States and are younger than full retirement age, notify the Social Security Administration immediately.  If you do not, it could result in a penalty that could cause the loss of certain benefits.

For full details, please visit the SSA website at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10137.html.

2.  When can I collect Social Security Benefits?

Regardless of your full retirement age (also called "normal retirement age"), you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.  For more information on eligibility and to calculate the amount of your retirement benefits, please visit: www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.

3.  How do find out the amount of money I will receive per month from Social Security?

The amount you will receive per month varies according to your age as well as your lifetime work history and credits.  To determine your individual benefit, please use the benefit calculators available at:  hwww.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm. 

4.  If I die, will my family abroad receive a death benefit from Social Security?

Your survivors, after reporting your death to the Consulate, will receive a Consular Report of Death, plus other documents that they can use to apply for a lump sum death payment, survivor benefits, and/or children's benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Questions concerning eligibility, age requirements, and other important issues can be found at: http://www.ssa.gov/ww&os2.htm

Please be aware that if your survivors live outside of the United States, although they are eligible for benefits, this may affect the receipt of such benefits.  Please see the SSA website at: www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10137.html

5.  Can I receive Medicare coverage while in Thailand?

Medicare is the United States health insurance program for people ages 65 or older.  Persons living or traveling outside of the United States, however, usually cannot benefit from Medicare. This is because the program provides protection against the cost of hospital and medical expenses incurred in the United States.  For more information on Medicare, please visit the Medicare section of the SSA website at:  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10043.html.

6.  Can I receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments while living in Thailand?   

No.  SSI beneficiaries must be present in the United States, and they lose eligibility by being abroad for 30 days.  They are not entitled to benefit payments if they are outside the United States, and they must re-qualify after returning to the United States.  However, exceptions to the nonpayment provision are made for certain children.  For more information on SSI, please visit the SSI section of the SSA website at: http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/links_ssi.htm.