Us Social Security - Foreign Pension - Has The Law Changed?

[Americano]

On March 5, 2013 I received the attached Cover Sheet and Questionnaire from the Social Security office which is in the US Embassy in Manila.

 

Every year I receive a questionnaire from the SSA office in the USA, but this is the first time I received one from Manila.  And, the Questionnaire is completely different from the one the USA sends to me.  This Questionnaire sounds like SSA is trying to reduce the amount it pays out on Foreign Pensions.

 

Has anyone who is receiving Social Security from the USA received this Questionnaire?

 

 

 

 

 

[JJReyes]

I filed online for Social Security and Medicare benefits last month. One of the questions asked concerned eligibility for non-USA SS or similar benefits. I did not pursue the line of questioning because my answer was, "No." 

 

My guess is this could be a survey questionnaire as part of the heated discussion between the US Congress and the White House. There are all kinds of proposals, but so far there have been no changes. One such proposal is to make Medicare portable similar to TriCare.

Edited March 12, 2013 by JJReyes

[MikeB]

They want to know if your pension was derived from employment where you didn't have SS deductions - like some public sector jobs. If that's the case your benefit would be reduced. If it's a private sector pension where you had standard FICA deductions your benefit will not be reduced. Has nothing to do with foreign pensions, I read this was passed during Reagan. 

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/27/~/how-pensions-affect-your-social-security-benefit

[Americano]

Thanks for the link Mike. The way you explained it and what the page you linked to said is how I already believed Social Security retirement is figured, but why does it say " Foreign Pension" at the top of page 1 ?  And, since I applied for Social Security Retirement through the SSA office in Manila and they already have information about my retirement pension why would they be asking me again now?  Also, why is Manila asking for information instead of SSA in the USA like they do every year?  These three questions made me suspicious as to what is really happening.  I know the USA can't pay its debt so anything is possible at this point.

[MikeB]

This form replaces the previous one which did not specify foreign pensions. I'm guessing you received this form because your address is in the Philippines and might be receiving a foreign pension. It's probably sop for anyone living overseas. Once you change your address to the Philippines you fall under the jurisdiction of the Manila office. I receive mail correspondence from both them and the US. I wouldn't be concerned about the form; it's voluntary, you don't have to return it. You can always call them at (632) 301 2000. The SS dept only answers the phone between 2-4pm M-F.

[Mike S]

Also you maybe required to send them a notification each year just to let them know you are still alive and someone else isn't stealing you SS ..... seems I read or heard somewhere that if you receive your SS checks in a foreign country you are required to notify the SS office yearly just to prove you are still kicking ...... but don't hold me to that because it was years ago when I was signing up for SS in the US ..... I have my check deposited there so I don't get that form you are talking about ..... :cheersty:

[JJReyes]

Also you maybe required to send them a notification each year just to let them know you are still alive and someone else isn't stealing you SS ..... seems I read or heard somewhere that if you receive your SS checks in a foreign country you are required to notify the SS office yearly just to prove you are still kicking ...... but don't hold me to that because it was years ago when I was signing up for SS in the US ..... I have my check deposited there so I don't get that form you are talking about .....

 

The Social Security Administration posted a notice that starting March 2013 all benefit recipients will receive their money through the banking systems. They will no longer mail checks. This saves the SSA a tremendous amount of money in the cost of distribution (postage) and prevents fraud.