Wow, that's an impressive level of incompetence there! Just one more reason I'll be going back to the US to do my SS application when the time comes and staying until the first check drops into my account.

 

Chaz it works.. I've done it twice and I know it works, we just don't know the process. Two years ago I got my Filipina wifes SS and then just recently I did mine.

You don't have to hardly do anything at all, I was sweating a little about what the SS needed but it was too simple and you don't even have to leave your house, all you have to do is set up a phone interview with the US Embassy in Manila FBU or SS and if you're concerned about the response you can call on Tues or Thursdays and enquire if they have you scheduled or waiting to be scheduled for the phone interview (I did this because I was nearly at 4 months waiting) what probably slowed my process was that I wasn't 62 yet this year when I sent the email in April but finally called at the end of July.

With the interview letter they send you in the mail and also posted on your Social Security online account you can ask the bank if they'll open up an account because in the letter from the SS Administration it asks that you have a Direct Deposit account number ready for the interview, in the interview they don't take the direct deposit information so they'll tell you to mail that form to them, this doesn't work well so in the notification from the US Embassy you'll scan this Direct Deposit document with a free app called Cam Scanner and make sure it's in PDF format because they can zoom in, and email it back in the same message your SS case worker.

The US Embassy Manila also handles this entire region so not only the Philippines as some already know so it's a process for sure. Same with getting a new US passport, it's all done from your home and information listed on the US Embassy Passport section, it's a little different from the US and you'll use the phone number of the courier to pick up your passport and supporting documents photos ect.. you'll also fill out an online application and pay online for the passport, Air21 the phone number at the US Embassy is used for setting up a pickup and then also delivered back to you.

I've talked with several Expats that try to do a walk in at the US Embassy and get disgruntled because they don't do that here and so they travel back to the US to get a passport... Geez, the SS and passport can all be done here.

 

Dennis the entire process overseas is done with just one phone call no filling out anything and then a scanned Direct Deposit form if you're depositing in Tiawan, I had to wait nearly 4 months for the phone interview but then again I wasn't 62 at the time but once the interview is complete they'll have you send a scanned (they say mail it but scan it as a PDF file in your same notification email with the SS rep you talked with) and then about a month later it should be in your bank.

Since we are overseas the deposit dates will be on the 3rd of the month and not by your birth date.

So to make sure everyone understands, don't bother filling out any online forms just make an online appointment with the US Embassy FBU in Manila and then they'll send you or email (don't delete this email you'll send the Direct Deposit form back) you the date of the phone interview (you can open up a bank account with this form notification).

 

Here's some links off the US Embassy Manila website, if you follow or please read the information this can help:

Technical Difficulties

Here's a very important one under Frequently Asked Questions so basically read everything:

Technical Difficulties

 

Chaz I understand your situation now and I guess what I was posting would be for those Expats retired here for good and are no longer wanting to travel or done traveling no home in the US and so in that case (not your situation) I'd recommend a bank here because having family members mail ATM card or the bank itself does not work very well due to corruption.

 

This is what the output (status) on mySocialSecurity looks like, when you do apply online. But follow what M.C.A wrote

 

View attachment 106571

This is what the output (status) on mySocialSecurity looks like, when you do apply online. But follow what M.C.A wrote

Okay so you did this a little differently so maybe they'll just go through the approval process because they didn't need much from me.

I talked with another Expat I met here and he went the same route as you, he applied in the US and did his interview at the US Embassy but got it done, he told me he wished he had just set up the interview with the US Embassy in Manila.

So for any of our Expats following this topic... Please, don't work so hard this actually can be a simple process (yes the website is a little confusing) but I think the hiccup is in the two area's you have to read the SS information page and then the Frequently asked question with the dang links in it for applying for your Social Security, so really those links should be on the SS information page also.

You're going to find the passport info similar with different pages on the US Embassy website for renewal, man.... just make sure to read everything you can on the US Embassy website for anything you need to apply for.

I want to state this again, applying for your US Social Security is an easy stress free process if you follow exactly what the US Embassy website has for information:

1. it's gonna be an email to the US Embassy SS branch
2.US Embassy sets the interview date, they also email this to your online SS account and sent in the mail so use this to open up your bank account. It takes time to set up this interview could be months lol...so call the Embassy if you have concerns on timeline
3. You're told in a letter and email what to have ready for the phone interview
4. You should be able to set up a Philippine Bank account BDO with that SS Administration letter with your interview date, banks here are tough so we had a hard time with Metro Bank and PNB just a heads up so we went with BDO.

Note: Opening a Philippine bank account, take this interview letter from the US Social Security Administration and it states in the letter that you need a Direct Deposit account ready for the interview... Here's what you'll ask the bank, "I'm only asking but IAW the letter I need to open up a bank account" The bank then made sure that the letter was from the Administration of the Social Security.

5. Phone interview and then they tell you if they need anything for sure they'll need that Direct Deposit form (ask for US dollar account from your choosen bank) mail this form to them but make sure to email this form by scanning with Cam Scanner free app and then in a PDF format send this in your conversation, keep your Embassy conversations. Note, they never seemed to get my Direct Deposit form in the mail, I sent it twice.

Note: Even though you've had and kept that conversation with the SS rep, you'll still have to wait 10-15 days for them to respond with that Direct Deposit form you scanned and sent, so call on either Tuesday or Thursday before noon (number on the website) and let them know what you emailed them and it's faster or you could just wait if no hurry.

Once the US Embassy is complete and has all the documents required from you they send this to the US probably by email and they told me it can take from 2-4 months before you get your bank deposit but I did this recently and got my deposit in a month, the initial deposit can land on any day of the month because it's a back pay but if you use an overseas bank the deposits will be on the 3rd of the month therafter.

 

It took them 80 days to respond to an internal message (my online app) send from SSA USA? I am sure that they will also fail to marry up my direct deposit from with this application. I have no doubt they will spend 45 minutes on the phones asking me the same questions in the online application, "what is your address sir?".

 

If so no worries about the Direct Deposit form, once the conversation finishes they email you what they want (maybe nothing is required) and so have that scanned Direct Deposit form inserted into your conversation and then on either Tuesday or Thursday call and let them know so they can finish otherwise it takes them 10-15 days to respond or get caught up with all their many messages.

 

Details : Foreign Affairs Manual For anyone interested; 7 FAM 530 and 7 FAM 590 are interesting.

 

The FAM guide lines haven't changed much. The one short coming I have personally experienced is the lack of training of the LE [local employees] Sometimes it seems you need to know the answers to your questions before you ask them. I experienced this with a signature dispute when renewing my passport. BUT if you are in the Manila office you can always politely ask to speak to the consular officer in charge of the unit.
Keep in mind the US State Department routinely under funds whatever ACS office you are in and the staff is overworked. Been there done that. Your ire is best directed to your elected representatives for not properly funding the ACS offices.

 

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, China, Fiji, French Polynesia (Tahiti), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Korea, North, Korea, South, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Federated States of, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam.

I feel really bad complaining about, FBU Manila. Look at the country list that they service. This is a huge mission, I can not imagine how they could service all these countries. Anybody that has lived in the states has worked or come in contact with somebody from one of these countries. There are; woman, children, sick people, widows, survivors that are entitled to benefits on that list.

One FBU alone could never serve all these countries, I am sure many people have just given up. This is why it is very important that FBU Manila website (they don't have a website) needs to be expanded, each one of these countries need detailed instruction in the correct language. ID.me also needs to be streamlined to focus on people in these countries, and my Social Security need to be tested for each of these countries. This is a huge IT problem. Also, FBU Manila, if they can do this job (a lot of technical people in the Philippians) is going to need a lot of volunteers to help from these counties, and THEY NEED TO START CHARGING A FEE, 25% OF THE FIRST CHECK, PLUS ADDITIONAL FEES.

I am very sorry and apologize to FBU Manila for making any comments about this operation. My problems are small compared to what other people maybe experiencing.

 

Dennis, you're not alone for sure in the frustrating of contacting the US Embassy and now even worse the Baby Boomer's like us applying for our SS early, when I called to enquire about this the phone rep told me they were behind since January processing SS applications and this was in July.

I occasionally run into a fellow Expat while at my PNB bank, he's from WA State and drives 😂 a trike, wears the same hot clothing from the US the jeans and long sleeve cotton lumber Jack shirts, he's the one I mentioned earlier in my postings, hard headed when it came to the US Embassy, he tried to walk in twice and was told that he can't do that without an appointment (Emergency different) and he didn't catch on the first time and so on his second walk in try I guess he complained and was told by a female staff employee Filipina that she didn't care if he reported his problems with a US Congressman or Senator he's not getting in without an appointment.

Anyway (this is what he shared with me outside the bank) he now flies all the way to Washington State to renew his passport and yearly for that proof of life SS form. Note, if we have trouble there's contact information about that proof of life form also, it has to be serialized so not just any downloaded form will work. This Expat does not appear to be rich either, more info on the Foreign Enforcement form as it's known

https://www.expatforum.com/posts/15239394/

So this same Expat also told me that the manager or? At the US Embassy sends the US Marines monthly to check on him.

But fellow Expats, (problem could be lack of computer knowledge) he also I noticed used the conventional cell phone. In order to make it here, you'll have to use the Smartphone at a bare minimum or use a computer. I worked in a Call Center 7 years after retirement from the Navy and many people my age I found out while talking (we had an easy website for ordering) don't care to learn or can't use the computer or refuse to learn so a harder life accomplishing thing's.

 

I'm glad to see this post. I'd love to know if anyone here has applied for SS after relinquishing/renouncing citizenship? I'm in AU, so Manila is my SS office.

Please bear with me, as my access to everything online is cut off. I've been in circles for quite a long time. First attempt, the person I got on the phone stated I was not eligible for SS (I know I am). I asked to change my address and they stated it was changed when I filed my taxes. I had to reiterate that I am no longer a citizen (since 2016) so do not file taxes. They directed me to the website, where my SS number is not recognized.

I eventually succeeded in contacting (so much has happened I can't even recall exactly how I did this) at which they arranged a phone call appt., months later. What I had asked was to have someone explain what I needed to do to see what my SS payment would be if I retired early. At some point, I was asked: does the country you're in have a retirement program? AU does have a pension program, but it starts at 67, so I wasn't sure how to answer. "Yes, they do but at 67", was not an option, nor was, "no, not until 67."

The guy on the phone was pretty short and unhelpful. Eventually, he gave me what he believed would be my monthly SS payment & asked if I wanted to start right that minute! I said, no, I'm still just trying to decide, but this is the first time I've been able to access ANY sort of real info as I cannot access ANYTHING online. He stated that he could start the process, but it had to be back-dated to when I first wrote to them, last Sept (2023)?! If I didn't start now, I'd have to wait SIX MONTHS to try again...So, my Sept 2023 contact got my a phone call, seven months later, in April 2024. The amount he quoted, I am sure, didn't include the thieving penalties for my relinquishment of citizenship. I ended up learning nothing more than when I started.

It sh1ts me that I worked and had my money taken from my pocket by the US gov't, held onto for nearly 40 years and now that I want it, they're going to essentially steal about 50%. That doesn't include the reduction for the early retirement, either. Still, the way the US is going, I feel I may as well get "something", before you-know-who decides to steal it all for himself or his cronies.

I also worry I won't have enough ID. My US passport was revoked, of course, and I never got another from AU because I'm done traveling. Can't afford to any more. All I have is my AU driver's license. I don't think I should have to fork over hundreds of dollars for a passport I'll never use. Additionally, I sincerely doubt the US embassy will deal with me any longer.

So, my question is if anyone here has ever gone through such a thing or know anyone who has and what the process is? I cringe thinking of trying to go through all of this all over again until I know what I'm doing/what to expect.

Thanks everyone!

 

I'm glad to see this post. I'd love to know if anyone here has applied for SS after relinquishing/renouncing citizenship? I'm in AU, so Manila is my SS office.

Please bear with me, as my access to everything online is cut off. I've been in circles for quite a long time. First attempt, the person I got on the phone stated I was not eligible for SS (I know I am). I asked to change my address and they stated it was changed when I filed my taxes. I had to reiterate that I am no longer a citizen (since 2016) so do not file taxes. They directed me to the website, where my SS number is not recognized.

I eventually succeeded in contacting (so much has happened I can't even recall exactly how I did this) at which they arranged a phone call appt., months later. What I had asked was to have someone explain what I needed to do to see what my SS payment would be if I retired early. At some point, I was asked: does the country you're in have a retirement program? AU does have a pension program, but it starts at 67, so I wasn't sure how to answer. "Yes, they do but at 67", was not an option, nor was, "no, not until 67."

The guy on the phone was pretty short and unhelpful. Eventually, he gave me what he believed would be my monthly SS payment & asked if I wanted to start right that minute! I said, no, I'm still just trying to decide, but this is the first time I've been able to access ANY sort of real info as I cannot access ANYTHING online. He stated that he could start the process, but it had to be back-dated to when I first wrote to them, last Sept (2023)?! If I didn't start now, I'd have to wait SIX MONTHS to try again...So, my Sept 2023 contact got my a phone call, seven months later, in April 2024. The amount he quoted, I am sure, didn't include the thieving penalties for my relinquishment of citizenship. I ended up learning nothing more than when I started.

It sh1ts me that I worked and had my money taken from my pocket by the US gov't, held onto for nearly 40 years and now that I want it, they're going to essentially steal about 50%. That doesn't include the reduction for the early retirement, either. Still, the way the US is going, I feel I may as well get "something", before you-know-who decides to steal it all for himself or his cronies.

I also worry I won't have enough ID. My US passport was revoked, of course, and I never got another from AU because I'm done traveling. Can't afford to any more. All I have is my AU driver's license. I don't think I should have to fork over hundreds of dollars for a passport I'll never use. Additionally, I sincerely doubt the US embassy will deal with me any longer.

So, my question is if anyone here has ever gone through such a thing or know anyone who has and what the process is? I cringe thinking of trying to go through all of this all over again until I know what I'm doing/what to expect.

Thanks everyone!

Girldownunder are you making the appointment or calling to talk with someone on the phone?

Like you mentioned, you worked for 40 year's so you're eligible and if you can log into your online SS account you'll have access to that amount, that's the amount you will receive.

You can qualify for only two pensions from the US so I'm not sure about another nation but good you tell the truth.

I was told the first time I applied for my wife's SS that she didn't qualify so actually I gave up and until my sister scanned mail from SS and sent to me it was my wife's SS Statement that made it clear she qualifies and so I tried again, this was 3 year's later and in my email for online appointment I included a copy of it...this worked.

Here's what I don't understand, why doesn't your SS work? If I read that correctly.

Bottom line, find out how you can get a copy of your SS Statement but like you mentioned they were going to give you your SS, and set up your online interview with Manila SS. These people are very busy and here is my unsolicited advice, they don't need to hear anything other than you need to get your hard earned Social Security and nothing else, so no more small talk, get right to your needs, they will help.

The representative at the US Embassy after your appointment and they have your bank information will then send your SS package by email to the US for action....if your SS Statement says X amount of dollar's at your age that's what you'll get

My gosh, I haven't worked in 14 year's but ended up with the amount in my SS Statement.

If you have trouble logging into your SS account the Embassy can also help you log in. The waiting time between emails or if you have questions is a couple weeks, once you make that appointment keep that email and continue to work with that representative, once again in that conversation it's two weeks before you get an answer sometimes less and if you have questions call on Tuesday or Thursday.

 

Remember, they will owe you and will pay you when you first started you application.

Good online info source;

Dr. Ed Weir, PhD, Former Social Security Manager

Former SSA Insider HELPS YOU get YOUR benefits!! Retirement, Spouse, Disability, Medicare, Medicaid, Survivor... Former Manager, Social Security Administration; Former Sergeant, USMC; Former Specialist, Department of Social Services; University Adjunct Professor NEED FREE MEDICARE HELP? My...

youtube.com

 

I relinquished US citizenship in 2015. I'm applying for my SS this month (I turn 64). I'm not sure I can ID as they wish? The only current photo ID I have is my AU driver's license. I do have my original BC and old US passports, a PADI from 1989, but no other photo ID (I'm not buying an AU passport, not traveling anymore).

Has anyone here even dealt with Manila with only one photo ID? I was thinking they might accept a AU gov't proof of age card or a working w/children license (which I've held in the past when my children were young & in school).

And this photo of the US embassy in Manila doesn't give me hope...

 

I relinquished US citizenship in 2015. I'm applying for my SS this month (I turn 64). I'm not sure I can ID as they wish? The only current photo ID I have is my AU driver's license. I do have my original BC and old US passports, a PADI from 1989, but no other photo ID (I'm not buying an AU passport, not traveling anymore).

Has anyone here even dealt with Manila with only one photo ID? I was thinking they might accept a AU gov't proof of age card or a working w/children license (which I've held in the past when my children were young & in school).

And this photo of the US embassy in Manila doesn't give me hope...

View attachment 106917

LOL... You'll be okay Girldownunder, in fact the older ID's would work better, so they'll work with you, all you have to do is keep the conversation open and tell them what you have.

My wife didn't even have a birth certifcate at the time (long painful story) and so I had to mail a baptismal certificate from the Catholic Church along with old ID cards because she also had expired ID's from living in the Philippines so long and expired passports.

What the FBU wants to see are ID's on where you have worked and lived, they can be expired and I think they have to be at least 5 years expired. But the best thing to do is contact through the emails, two important links from the US Embassy Manila website, both with different contact or mail information.

Technical Difficulties

Technical Difficulties

When you get your SS it'll sure make a big difference on your life especially since you're 64, hang in there and also let us know what else you need information on.

 

Girldownunder,

Will this be easier if you visit the USA ?

 

I'm never going back, in fact, I never want to see the inside of a plane again. I also wouldn't want to shell out thousands of dollars for passport, airfare + missed working hours (I'm self-employed). Why should I be expected to pay for their incompetence? Certainly, by now, someone should be well aware of their confusing website. Btw, I never earned a large income, so the payment is not going to be much, but it's mine and I want it.

It's not as if I have any issue with where the US decides to house their SS dept., but I sure do when it's next to impossible to actually contact them. The last time I contacted them, it took months before I heard back. They sure didn't have any trouble taking my money, either...

 

• If you lived outside the United States for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the United States could be used to show you do not have an SSN.

Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card | SSA

Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card

www.ssa.gov

It doesn't say have to be current. However, may have to send originals.

 

LOL... You'll be okay Girldownunder, in fact the older ID's would work better, so they'll work with you, all you have to do is keep the conversation open and tell them what you have.

My wife didn't even have a birth certifcate at the time (long painful story) and so I had to mail a baptismal certificate from the Catholic Church along with old ID cards because she also had expired ID's from living in the Philippines so long and expired passports.

What the FBU wants to see are ID's on where you have worked and lived, they can be expired and I think they have to be at least 5 years expired. But the best thing to do is contact through the emails, two important links from the US Embassy Manila website, both with different contact or mail information.

Technical Difficulties

Technical Difficulties

When you get your SS it'll sure make a big difference on your life especially since you're 64, hang in there and also let us know what else you need information on.

That's another issue I have: one of the forms says for me to MAIL my original forms of ID? Literally hand my only ID to possibly lose it? Then what?

Girdownunder, you'd be amazed at what you'll get for Social Security becaues I think you mentioned you're 64 and I do remember you said you had worked for 40 years.

So it shouldn't take months for the US Embassy to contact you if you use their email address "only" and get things going, I really don't know where you're at but expired ID's are okay they'll work with you. Make sure you have a good contact number they can interview you on, so you'll also put that number in your email.

Steps you need to do today:

1 You may contact us in a variety of ways, but the most efficient way is to contact us by e-mail at FBU.Manila@ssa.gov. We generally respond within 10 – 15 business days from the date of receipt. Put your full name (I think you mentioned trouble with your middle name let them know) birth date, social security number, address in Australia with phone number, they will call you on this number.

2. Your bank in Australia, you'll need a direct deposit form for US dollars or you could have an option to already convert it to Australian currency it's up to you, I use BDO and they've been good to me, they should have this form, fill it out, you will need a US address and US phone number for the form, I'm not sure anyone checks the address.

Here's information, if you already have it good, but just in case because it really seems like nothing is happening, so this is the ONLY way you contact the US Embassy Social Security branch or FBU, this is all you need to do, I've done this twice now in two years, for my wife and myself, my wife isn't a US citizen but she qualified for US Social Security:

Basically get as much information complete as you can because each conversation will be two weeks.

The phone number below is for a quick contact, this is what I did when I scanned my BDO banks Direct Deposit form in my conversation and emailed it back to them, next I called the operator on the phone who contacted the Social Security officer working my case while I was on hold and it got done, I recived an email the next day that all was finished and had to wait about 2-4 months for direct deposit, it deposits on the 3rd of every month for anyone living overseas, I got the deposit in two months.

---------------------------------------------------------

Email

You may contact us in a variety of ways, but the most efficient way is to contact us by e-mail at FBU.Manila@ssa.gov. We generally respond within 10 – 15 business days from the date of receipt.

To assist you with your concerns, we may ask for your Social Security Number (SSN), your date of birth and/or banking information. Providing this information is optional; however, we may need this information to answer your questions and fully assist you.

Phone

You may call us at +63-2-5301-6200 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Manila Time) every Tuesday and Thursday, except on U.S. and Philippine holidays.

----------------------------------------------------------


So where are you at right now with Social Security, let me know so I can help you out, expired ID's are okay and you might need to send those but thena gain maybe not, all I had to send in the email was my bank direct deposit form.

Try not to talk with anyone else on this topic but me, I am going to leave it open so others can learn, so get focused on contacting exactly as I've shown you above the US Embassy branch in Manila, if you have anymore questions fire away now!

I never said i worked for 40 years. I said they had my money for 40+ years. Unfortunately, another bunch of bs with the supposed country treaties re taxes etc is that the income you made in your home country afterward is watched/taxed for sure by the IRS, except they sure as sh1t don't apply your "other country" income into your USA SS, oh no. Of course not. The IRS/US only shows up to take.
I still can't believe I'll be penalized and screwed out of my actual own money for relinquishing the citizenship I never agreed to-- as if that has ANYTHING to do with MY f-ing money these b@stards held, for decades.

Sorry, I've been in the quagmire of immi/FATCA/IRS for so long, and am now very disabled due to MVAs here, I'm just tired of it all...

I thank you for offering your assistance. It's lovely of you.

 

That's another issue I have: one of the forms says for me to MAIL my original forms of ID? Literally hand my only ID to possibly lose it? Then what?


I never said i worked for 40 years. I said they had my money for 40+ years. Unfortunately, another bunch of bs with the supposed country treaties re taxes etc is that the income you made in your home country afterward is watched/taxed for sure by the IRS, except they sure as sh1t don't apply your "other country" income into your USA SS, oh no. Of course not. The IRS/US only shows up to take.
I still can't believe I'll be penalized and screwed out of my actual own money for relinquishing the citizenship I never agreed to-- as if that has ANYTHING to do with MY f-ing money these b@stards held, for decades.

Sorry, I've been in the quagmire of immi/FATCA/IRS for so long, and am now very disabled due to MVAs here, I'm just tired of it all...

I thank you for offering your assistance. It's lovely of you.

Okay, so what you'll do is voice your concerns about the original ID's and if they still want them then send through Federal Express but you'll have to add insurance and they will get it, before you send it, have it all scanned front and back, keep these scanned documents on a Google drive and also on a flash drive.

Also what's very important is you have health concerns, so list those, don't use abbreviations on anything because I had to look up MVA. The US Embassy has very limited time to process requests because they have low staffing, so make it as easy as possible for them including your concerns, please leave out anything not related to your SS request.

Actually the longer you wait (you need it now but not good) to process your SS the better because you didn't have a long work history so it won't be much unless you keep holding out if possible the amount will be much higher. I had trouble processing my wifes SS the first time, she was 62 at the time and her SS would have only been $200 USD so I gave up because the Embassy made it seem like she didnt' qualify so it wasn't until 3 years later that my sister sent me a scanned SS benefits page showing she does qualify and so I sent this form with my email and we found out later that her SS was much higher it had doubled to $400.

Hey guys we are here to help so if you have something to share, make sure it's about how Girldownunder can get her SS from her current location in Australia and dealing with the Philippine Immigration here (they handle Australia). Girldownunder may have to contact someone else in the US if the US Embassy can't get this done, "They can get this done" so I don't understand why it's taking so long.

 

Why not just work with the SSA in the USA. Call them direct and email them direct. Not sure why you need to deal with Manila.

 

I quick search shows you will eventually be filling out form SSA-21. They will take 25.5% of your payout for taxes as a Non-resident or Non-citizen. You can get it all or partially back once you file US income taxes which you mentioned you will not do.

You must also give information on how much income you make in foriegn countries just like they have info on this in the US. This is because you cannot make more than a certain amount or your payout is reduced or eliminated. How they find out how much you make or confirm this is unknown. Maybe satellites or drone surveillance (might need a tin foil hat).

Best of luck.

 

Zep good one. My wife's SS, she's not a US citizen, the government takes 1/4 of her pay because she's not a US citizen, it hurt's and then I cannot claim this money back when I file a a joint tax form.