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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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
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****....
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.
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 ❤️ 💙 🙏 🙏
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???
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!!!
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.
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.
Thanks Paul. This is one of several reasons i watch your vids. I just got back from Davao, looking at property in Samal. living in Brasil, going back to the states in March.Turn 62 in March will go to my local ss office to apply. great info for us travelers to the Philippines.
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.
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!
I suggest your friend go to SS Office at the Embassy and speak with them directly. I have had no issues with them. Otherwise, consider going to the SS Office in Guam. It's a very cheap trip from the Philippines and is in the US.
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 !
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'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?
@@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.
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.
Wow I did not know you are married now you kept that quiet I am happy for both of you chap . Yes I am still planning to come back to the Philippines September All goes well I have my social security already 😊
What a fiasco, hopefully all that gets taken care of quickly . This video will help a lot of people out that will be applying for SS. Also that spam feature is on my Samsung phone galaxy phone. I remembered your first video so when it recommended that feature recently I said Nooooo. For the Samung users that setting is under Call Settings. You will see a feature called "Called ID and Spam Protection". You can slide the switch over to the right for yes, but it looks like it defaults to No thankfully. I believe the gentlemens nephew enabled that feature on his Apple thinking it was a good thing.
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 .
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.
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.
@@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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
You will get the back pay, careful of buying out of the country, I was told that customs people may take it home with them because I was looking at shipping stuff over their with balikbayan boxes and he warned me about this
How frustrating. So much for starting a new life in The Philippines. Hope matters will SSA will work out. Hope Paul will provide a follow-up in the future.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
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
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.
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.
@@danielhackney7806Hi, did you do it from abroad?
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.
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.
Hay Paul and mike . This is some good info. Youl take care and injoy life over there
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
Congratulations to you and Mae.
Hi Paul!.....nice to see you wearing a wedding ring.....congratulations!!🇨🇦
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.
Going to cost more to live in the Phillipines if you expect similar standard of living
Good one, guys. Straight talk from capable, forward thinking, problem solving friends. Good luck and continued success.
Good one, Paul. Best of luck to Mike (you, too).
Great information! Thank you
Such great important content you have✌️✌️✌️💥
Very helpful on many topics. Thank you both.
Thanks Mike. Great information/education. Sorry it was you that learned the hard way. Best of luck to you.
The Squeaky Wheel gets the grease. Call them every day until they know your voice when you call.
I applied while in Thailand through Manila, absolutely no problems. Had an appointment for an interview by phone with Manila.
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.
Really great interview and video 👍vary informative thank you 👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏
Great interview, what a nightmare for Mike hope everything works out for him. Thank you for sharing. 👍👍👍
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.
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
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
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
Great interview !!
Great venue for the interview versus that coffee shop.
It sure is!
Don't go to Manila unless you have an interview scheduled. They don't accept walk ins in the embassy.
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.
Yup. Two steps.
Step one, Send email to SS Manila office
Step two, Answer the phone
Bingo! There’s no reason to apply for US SS outside of the US.
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.
This is a great video. By the way congratulations
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!
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.
Glad it was helpful!
Mistakes cost money. We learn on the cheap.
@@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234 have u heard anything from John the guy u helped
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.
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.
@@johnharding9605 The current government is still milking the COVID thing as far as they can as the excuse especially in the US Embassy
I would make an appointment with the US SS office and fly back for the appointment
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.
Nice dual Mic setup Paul
Excellent information, the audio was very good using the microphones.
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!
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.
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
Great content. I'm a subscriber, yes sir!
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?
yes its commen sense.
ofcurse you do not leave your country , before some kind of monthly income is secured... OMG people are just so damm stupid..
@@MrJakobs007 He is well off that he is not dependant on SS,but having to solve issues from Phils is a lot more complicated
@@MrJakobs007 Not always true, some people may choose to come over here long before the age of 62
Putting the cart before the horse
Thanks for your content!
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.
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.
@@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.
I've never had any trouble. If I play dumb and stupid and disabled, they help me. Do everything for me.
For me only Manila SS, it's terrible.
@@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
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****....
That's true, but you can run, but not hide. Sounds like the "Bureaucracy" in the Phils is 10 times worse.
Agreed
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.
You have no idea how much trouble it was to renew my drivers license in Hawaii... Absolute insanity... Government is completely broken
@@lancemided3251 YOU ARE POINT ON ! 100 % .
What I glean from this is to get your social security in the USA before leaving for a foreign country.
yes..and wait for a couple of months deposits to make sure everything is working properly
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 ❤️ 💙 🙏 🙏
Thanks for sharing
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???
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.
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.
Great information....have Mike on more often....does he have a YT channel?
No, he doesn't
That's a nice background to do an interview. :D
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
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.
In my case the Social Security was paid retroactively to the point of the first application for SS.
Mike may be well to get a sovial security advocate to do all of the paperwork for him. I did that for SSI and it was successful.
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!
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.
Good video, couple more years i will be applying. Think I will go stay in the States to get it going.
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.
When you get it all straightened out , you might get a big check.
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.
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.
That’s why it’s recommended to come over for a vacation (or several) before actually retiring.
Only an idiot would agree to carry packages for someone else into a foreign country.
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.
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
Sorry to hear of your stroke. Hope for speedy recovery 🙏.
Cool story bro...
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.
I agree. That's why we will both make sure SS benefits start posting to our accounts before we head back to the Philippines.
@@midlifewanderings Good idea and good luck! God bless.
Much easier to do in the USA before you leave . You will get paid from the time you filed . Good Luck
Exactly I agree hundred percent get your money started before you even leave
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!!!
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.
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.
Fingers crossed!
glad i am already on s.s.what a headache.thanks paul
Love to see wearing your bling Paul. Wear that wedding ring proudly u 2 .
Thanks Paul. This is one of several reasons i watch your vids. I just got back from Davao, looking at property in Samal. living in Brasil, going back to the states in March.Turn 62 in March will go to my local ss office to apply. great info for us travelers to the Philippines.
He should have gotten everything straightened out and started getting payments before he went abroad.
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.
Make sure you tell your credit card company that your going to be overseas or they may shut your card off.
I find it so perplexing that so many people want the government to manage our healthcare. It is like every thing it touches turns to shit.
I’m turning 62 in December. I’m in the US, but this makes me nervous.
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!
I suggest your friend go to SS Office at the Embassy and speak with them directly. I have had no issues with them. Otherwise, consider going to the SS Office in Guam. It's a very cheap trip from the Philippines and is in the US.
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 !
@paulinthephillippineolddog1. you have a prize for me?
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.
I have been able to walk into any office in Manila or even Davao without an appointment and they will help me.
@@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?
@@jesse75 That must have been years ago, before the pandemic. It has all changed now!
@@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.
@@johnharding9605 Nobody has said anything when I walk in.
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.
Wow I did not know you are married now you kept that quiet I am happy for both of you chap . Yes I am still planning to come back to the Philippines September All goes well I have my social security already 😊
What a fiasco, hopefully all that gets taken care of quickly . This video will help a lot of people out that will be applying for SS. Also that spam feature is on my Samsung phone galaxy phone. I remembered your first video so when it recommended that feature recently I said Nooooo. For the Samung users that setting is under Call Settings. You will see a feature called "Called ID and Spam Protection". You can slide the switch over to the right for yes, but it looks like it defaults to No thankfully. I believe the gentlemens nephew enabled that feature on his Apple thinking it was a good thing.
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 .
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.
Lesson learned apply for social security in the United States and receive benefits before moving out of America!
Twice I had problems with Social Security and twice I contacted my United States Senator and twice my problems went away. 🙂
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.
@@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.
@@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.
@@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.
@@everyonehasadream why would you not want your daughter tested?
Sounds like a trip home is warranted to get things straightened out with S/S.
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.
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.
Terry, well done
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.
The simple trick is to handle US SS matters in the US before leaving to another country
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
I'm not waiting until 8 more years. I'll fight the battle when it's time.
If these kids don't listen, they are going to be living in a multi cab, DOWN BY THE RIVER!
@@jamesrecknor6752 Or perhaps tent encampments on the streets of Manila?
@@kennethschweighardt4920 That would bring a little Seattle / LA cultural enrichment to Manila.
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.
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.
I applied two months before I was 62! No problems!
You will get the back pay, careful of buying out of the country, I was told that customs people may take it home with them because I was looking at shipping stuff over their with balikbayan boxes and he warned me about this
How frustrating. So much for starting a new life in The Philippines. Hope matters will SSA will work out. Hope Paul will provide a follow-up in the future.
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.
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.
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.
Great video.And this "it´s up to you is so typical for the Fillipinas :)
I use the word love freely too
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.
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.
I had a similar experience living in Singapore not Philippines. I eventually got a lump sum. Keep the faith!