Here's the virtual mailbox I like and recommend: refer.virtualpostmail.com/l/18A3SSP66/ Using this link also supports our channel and doesn't cost you anything extra. Sorry, video technical difficulties. Still have questions? Please join my LIVE tomorrow, I r tge next day, or the next day...😅
One other potential issue for expats. Many countries will not report your death to either the US embassy or social security. If you are living in one pf those countries, social security will send you a letter each year that you have to respond to within a specified time to prove you are still alive. If you don't reply in time your benefit will stop and it can be quite a hassle to get it started again. The issue with this, other than the need to verify your continued life is that international mail can be sketchy in some countries and you may not receive the letter from social security in time or at all. This is only a problem if you change your country of residence with SS and have your benefit deposited to a foreign bank account. Many expats get around this issue by maintaining an address and bank account in the states for social security purposes. A trusted family member who will contact you if something comes in the mail that you need to respond to is a good choice.
Everything is being done through email these days. Social security sent me an email a few days ago saying all forms will now be available online and they you can simply call in to verify your alive
I have been living in Europe for 25 years. For the last 5 years, I have been retired and receiving SS benefits... but I have never received such a letter,
My dad was an expat in Thailand for several years and I don't know if he continued his Medicare Part B, but while he was there he broke his hip! Fortunately he got to an excellent Hospital in Bangkok and had surgery and he recovered quite well. But that's just one example of things that can happen that you may need significant Medical Care for. He also went to the VA when he would come back to visit so I have a feeling he gave up his Medicare.
Yes, I’m from Germany and they totalized my years and I get a special pension from Germany. And because of totalization, you don’t fall under WEP! So that’s what happen to me and I’m so glad!
Well, at least he knows he has a captive audience on this topic. I know these live feeds can be really hard and when they get cut off I think they have to start over with a new live stream.
If they are saving $174 a month and the penalty is 10% of that $17 times number of months not covered, so if you live outside of the USA for 5 years according to the calculators it would be an additional $87 a month every month, but you would have saved $10,440 in premiums
that is what I figured also, return at age 70 the difference kicks in at age 80. if you never return you make out a lot, if you live past age 80 is when you start feeling the difference if you were unable to save the initial difference.
Can you discuss these give back related programs as the stop gap for the, “I thought l’d never have to come back” option scenario. If you need open heart surgery can you endure the trip home? The question is also can you stay alive until you get to the US?
I’m receiving Regular SS and Medicare A&B and Med Advantage (I’m 74 years old, no spouse). If I decide to home to my home country, what happens to my benefits which are currently automatically going into my bank acct here in the US?
Yea, I really needed to add that but the internet connection kept dropping. I'm going to do this one again in the next week or so. Please let me know if you want me to cover anything else.
The best I ever understand clearly after searching to find out how should I do when I moved to Thailand for the rest of my life. I've been retired but still working now but will retire and move to Thailand someday. You explained clearly what I need to know, unlike some other RUclips (both hosts were foreigners but married to Americans (I could tell by last names) and spoke so fast trying to show their expert in English made me confused). Your English is way better for making people to understand rather than showing off the language. Thank you sir,
Love your videos. I retired in 2023 and and my Husband retires in August 2025. I have Kaiser Medicare senior preferred advantage and he will also have that when he retires. Does that cover our medical overseas? We plan to travel 75% of the year and come back to our home the rest of the time in California. Will we need to get additional insurance? I mean say if for some reason we have to get medivaced out for whatever reason.
I'm retired in Thailand, just turned 65, no plans to ever return to the USA (never say never). If I need minor surgery, I'll pay here in Bangkok (several world-class hospitals). If I opt for no Medicare B, need major surgery, I can fly back to the states and Medicare A covers 80% correct?
I am a US citizen and retired. Collecting SS. I am 68 yo. I also have Medicare A and B, also the Advantage plan. If I move overseas for a year or so can I freeze mi Medicare AB and the Advantage plan without penalties when I decide to come back to the USA? Thank you anyone who can help out with this question. Thank you. (I could not get conected with Dr. Ed Weir, PHD)
So if you maintain a US foot print with a US account, just keep it in the US. As long as you have no need or requirement to deposit money outside the US.
☎📞Don’t want to ask your questions during our FREE LIVE Q&A Sundays 3pm PST (6pm EST) or Thursdays 4pm PST (7pm EST)? How about a private one-on-one call with Dr. Ed? Click here to schedule: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult
How about still working ex-pats who are on national health plans? I recently read that I can delay part B without penalty as long as I am continuing to work and I am on a national health plan.
I think my agent gave me the wrong advice I turned 65 in September I'm a contractor I work for the military and I know that I was going to continue to work but he suggested I take part a and Part B and that I could freeze it when I go overseas and take my employee insurance which is almost 100% when I'm overseas and I'm much prefer and now I'm about to deploy and I'm being told do not cancel your Medicare because it'll be increased exponentially when you return. I think I was misled please advise me. I'll be really disappointed if I have to pay into Insurance overseas and in the states
I'm curious if this is an option. I have Tricare and am required to obtain Medicare to keep Tricare. Since Medicare does not cover expats can I get MA plan that includes a giveback as I do see that option for my mailing address zip code in the states? Both traditional Medicare and MA are useless as an expat, I don't think I would even be able process a claim refund with either of them and I would still need to go through Tricare to get reimbursed.
I am under the impression that a SSDI DAC recipient isnnot able to move abroad. Is this correct? Doesnt seem fair that i cant retire overseas because i am still taking care of my adult disabled son who receives DAC.
If I move to the Philippines and live there I have my bank account in the Philippines where my ssi retirement goes do I still half to pay taxes on my retirement
What if you have creditable coverage in the country you have moved to? I have private med insurance and public medical coverage in Spain, would I still have to pay a penalty?
my x will be 64 this year and planning on going back to his country he has been working here sence the 1980's ... I am on ssd . I do not turn 62 for 3 years.. No one even his kids to not talk to him.. If he is over seas and passes Is there away to find out
Is it true that the social security administration is moving to a email system to send out the proof of life notification every two years? That would make life a lot easier to move overseas as everything is electronic now days.
Question please I am a 63 year old disabled vet I get medical coverage from VA at no cost when in America as part of my benefits I live overseas Medical is affordable out of pocket here and anything big I return for VA coverage in the US I have a separate policy here for emergency inpatient just in case I just started getting my social security last year Will I be required to take Medicare when I turn 65 since I have VA coverage? Thank you for your time
Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions and I can answer your question more fully. Or, you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult
@@MyGovExpert I can try but sites are hard to get here in china even with a vpn, they drop out even when I can get them more times than not. Thank you very much
It seems SS is heavily means tested. I have paid both SS and into retirement.. the taxability on SS will be high forever. I am not rich. I am 62 and not taken my early as of now. I would owe tax on 85% federal at AGI SS security 6 hr call wait that only "wages" affect the SS tax if you go early? Not sure why the percentage on with holding groups look all . Not based on the or 50
Ironically, if you are overseas and need extensive medical care or surgery, you can go to Cuba and get it for free. Cuba has much better quality doctors than the U.S. and doesn't see healthcare as a privilege reserved for the .001 of the population.
FIRST: Can I contact you with a few questions? I am turning 65 this year, The SSA mixed up my earning records and delete 12 years of my record, making me not eligible for Medicare. I left the USA in February this year and moved back to Germany as I cannot pay for Part A & B from my SSDI. As a dual citizen I am immediately covered with health care and long-term care for a percentage of my German pension. I pay 125 USD per month for 100% coverage with no deductible. I cannot afford to live in the US without a health insurance. I am sorry to say this. But the US is a 3rd world country if it comes to take care for its own citizens. Sorry USofA
Nobody can guarantee that they are never returning to the USA where dropping Medicare is concerned. If individuals take the same actuarial approach that insurance companies do, then there is no statistical reason to keep Medicare b in force. The examples presented are biased and fear mongering. I would guess that you have a service to sell and thus the reason for the bias. The fact is only a few will regret not having Medicare b while living long term overseas. With proper financial planning the chances of regret are almost zero. With bad planning, regret will be significant on more than just the Medicare aspect of retirement. Bottom line - be well prepared or don’t retire overseas
I will have to make the part B decision in 2 years. even with the penalties it will take 10 years to aquire a real penalty for not having part b if you consider the savings from not having to pay the premium to start
@MyGovExpert Dr. Weir, I recently moved overseas 3 months ago...already had Direct Dep into my bank in USA. I have set up a pin to wire transfer my SS to the USD acct in the country I moved to, so I just call and they wire it. But can I actually keep that account when the address still shows the address of the house we sold? They can't add a foreign address I would think? So is there a Bank in the USA like the one you mentioned who will allow the dir deposit from Soc Sec even though we moved? I still have bills in the USA I need to pay, so I'm not in a hurry to transfer it but want to follow the rules.
![How I See the US After Living Abroad for 15 Years [CULTURE SHOCK]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DO5x_tJBn7w/mqdefault.jpg)
Here's the virtual mailbox I like and recommend: refer.virtualpostmail.com/l/18A3SSP66/
Using this link also supports our channel and doesn't cost you anything extra.
Sorry, video technical difficulties. Still have questions? Please join my LIVE tomorrow, I r tge next day, or the next day...😅
A single individual can use this or this is only good for company???
One other potential issue for expats. Many countries will not report your death to either the US embassy or social security. If you are living in one pf those countries, social security will send you a letter each year that you have to respond to within a specified time to prove you are still alive. If you don't reply in time your benefit will stop and it can be quite a hassle to get it started again. The issue with this, other than the need to verify your continued life is that international mail can be sketchy in some countries and you may not receive the letter from social security in time or at all. This is only a problem if you change your country of residence with SS and have your benefit deposited to a foreign bank account. Many expats get around this issue by maintaining an address and bank account in the states for social security purposes. A trusted family member who will contact you if something comes in the mail that you need to respond to is a good choice.
A traveling mailbox is another option, they offer them starting at 9.99 per month. Mail can be scanned by email or sent directly
Excellent point. I like the virtual mailbox option. Most people I know overseas use one.
Thanks. Very helpful addition.
Everything is being done through email these days. Social security sent me an email a few days ago saying all forms will now be available online and they you can simply call in to verify your alive
I have been living in Europe for 25 years. For the last 5 years, I have been retired and receiving SS benefits... but I have never received such a letter,
Best channel for SS and Medicare...Great information. Thanks
Thank you so much. I sure do appreciate it. There are a lot more videos to come!
Will Social Security send payments to Russia. Venezuela, Iran, and the Gaza Strip?
Looks like some connection issues. But I covered most expat questions. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
Super important information, thank you!
Thank you so much. I'm glad it helps.
Thanks! Your videos are really helpful. Please keep helping people.
Awesome! Thank you so much for your support!!
You can also buy expat insurance also.
My dad was an expat in Thailand for several years and I don't know if he continued his Medicare Part B, but while he was there he broke his hip! Fortunately he got to an excellent Hospital in Bangkok and had surgery and he recovered quite well. But that's just one example of things that can happen that you may need significant Medical Care for. He also went to the VA when he would come back to visit so I have a feeling he gave up his Medicare.
Yeah, that's an individual decision. Sometimes people regret. But i'm sure happy that he was able to take care of everything in Bangkok.
Yes, I’m from Germany and they totalized my years and I get a special pension from Germany. And because of totalization, you don’t fall under WEP! So that’s what happen to me and I’m so glad!
Yes, Each country is different. I'm glad yours worked out.
Well, at least he knows he has a captive audience on this topic. I know these live feeds can be really hard and when they get cut off I think they have to start over with a new live stream.
Thanks! First time I've had these issues. Hopefully tomorrow will be OK.
Very good information thanks
Thanks for liking
If they are saving $174 a month and the penalty is 10% of that $17 times number of months not covered, so if you live outside of the USA for 5 years according to the calculators it would be an additional $87 a month every month, but you would have saved $10,440 in premiums
Excellent point. Break even is about 9 years. Thanks for pointing that out!
@@MyGovExpert Do all Medicare advantage plans has to take you, even if you did not enroll at 65?
Yes, as long as you have a valid election period. You can call my Medicare plan team for help: 888-817-0446
that is what I figured also, return at age 70 the difference kicks in at age 80. if you never return you make out a lot, if you live past age 80 is when you start feeling the difference if you were unable to save the initial difference.
Thank you Dr.Weir, You're the bomb!!!!
Can you discuss these give back related programs as the stop gap for the, “I thought l’d never have to come back” option scenario.
If you need open heart surgery can you endure the trip home?
The question is also can you stay alive until you get to the US?
Thank you Sir, really appreciate your expertise and insights into living as an expat.
Logging into SSA is impossible because it says I have an incorrect SSN. Why?
I’m receiving Regular SS and Medicare A&B and Med Advantage (I’m 74 years old, no spouse). If I decide to home to my home country, what happens to my benefits which are currently automatically going into my bank acct here in the US?
Living abroad how I will cancel Medicare before 65?
Can you please answer..
Hey Ed, I noticed you didn't mention the SSA-7162 Recontact Form problem.
Yea, I really needed to add that but the internet connection kept dropping. I'm going to do this one again in the next week or so. Please let me know if you want me to cover anything else.
Thank you, Sir. Very informative.
The best I ever understand clearly after searching to find out how should I do when I moved to Thailand for the rest of my life. I've been retired but still working now but will retire and move to Thailand someday. You explained clearly what I need to know, unlike some other RUclips (both hosts were foreigners but married to Americans (I could tell by last names) and spoke so fast trying to show their expert in English made me confused). Your English is way better for making people to understand rather than showing off the language. Thank you sir,
Expats, listening to this vid as well. Heading to this in planning for yrs.
Thank for the information I'm glad to hear.
Will Social Security send payments to Russia. Venezuela, Iran, and the Gaza Strip?
Thanks!
THANK YOU!
You are very welcome
Great info! Thanks 😊
You are so welcome!
The country of BELIZE SOCIAL SECURITY offers citizens like moi ..all sorts of benefits... including (FREE) NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.
Jus so you know.
Love your videos. I retired in 2023 and and my Husband retires in August 2025. I have Kaiser Medicare senior preferred advantage and he will also have that when he retires. Does that cover our medical overseas? We plan to travel 75% of the year and come back to our home the rest of the time in California. Will we need to get additional insurance? I mean say if for some reason we have to get medivaced out for whatever reason.
I'm retired in Thailand, just turned 65, no plans to ever return to the USA (never say never). If I need minor surgery, I'll pay here in Bangkok (several world-class hospitals). If I opt for no Medicare B, need major surgery, I can fly back to the states and Medicare A covers 80% correct?
No, that is incorrect.
Great channel!
Thank you!
I have Medicare for several years, if I travelled abroad for several months, will Medicare pay my clinic bills if needed?
I am a US citizen and retired. Collecting SS. I am 68 yo. I also have Medicare A and B, also the Advantage plan. If I move overseas for a year or so can I freeze mi Medicare AB and the Advantage plan without penalties when I decide to come back to the USA? Thank you anyone who can help out with this question. Thank you. (I could not get conected with Dr. Ed Weir, PHD)
What if I’m already on Medicare Part B, move out of country, drop Part B and years later need to resume? What penalties are involved?
So if you maintain a US foot print with a US account, just keep it in the US. As long as you have no need or requirement to deposit money outside the US.
There’s a fee for withdrawing ATM, just use credit card with no foreign transactions fee.
What happens is you never sign up for part b. I live in the Philippines!!!
The Dr said very clear. You will pay 10% for every year. So five years will be 50% on top of the basic. Is crazy.
What about filing for benefits online while living overseas? Some US Embassies will not support anything Social Security-related.
There should be a FBU (Federal Benefits Unit) somewhere in your region. If not, you can always file online or schedule a phone appointment.
@@MyGovExpert did online and it’s being processed in the Philippines 🇵🇭 Any day now I should get word 🤞
Hi, how does SSA dept. view work previously done in a country that is not recognized as sharing or being considered for social security benefits?
☎📞Don’t want to ask your questions during our FREE LIVE Q&A Sundays 3pm PST (6pm EST) or Thursdays 4pm PST (7pm EST)? How about a private one-on-one call with Dr. Ed? Click here to schedule: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult
How much? Thank you DR. Weir.
How about still working ex-pats who are on national health plans? I recently read that I can delay part B without penalty as long as I am continuing to work and I am on a national health plan.
Oh, covered if you're working and have insurance
I think my agent gave me the wrong advice I turned 65 in September I'm a contractor I work for the military and I know that I was going to continue to work but he suggested I take part a and Part B and that I could freeze it when I go overseas and take my employee insurance which is almost 100% when I'm overseas and I'm much prefer and now I'm about to deploy and I'm being told do not cancel your Medicare because it'll be increased exponentially when you return. I think I was misled please advise me. I'll be really disappointed if I have to pay into Insurance overseas and in the states
Contact your SSS physical office or visit and ask this questions
My SSA is only $531 + 356 SSi how could i live a decent Life ? Its only cover my Room rental & Some bills to pay?
I'm curious if this is an option. I have Tricare and am required to obtain Medicare to keep Tricare. Since Medicare does not cover expats can I get MA plan that includes a giveback as I do see that option for my mailing address zip code in the states? Both traditional Medicare and MA are useless as an expat, I don't think I would even be able process a claim refund with either of them and I would still need to go through Tricare to get reimbursed.
I received 3000 per month at 60 SSDI, will that amount ever change, outside of cola increase
Can you live overseas (to spend less money) if you are on SSDI, are 62, while continuing to get SSDI?
Yes, but there are reporting responsibilities. I'll do a video on those in the near future. Take care and thanks for watching, Ed
Hi. Is it true that if I move from Puerto Rico to the continental US, i get a higher SS benefit?
I am under the impression that a SSDI DAC recipient isnnot able to move abroad. Is this correct? Doesnt seem fair that i cant retire overseas because i am still taking care of my adult disabled son who receives DAC.
How many questions are there to answer on the application
Which application are you asking about?
How long can you stay out the USA ON SSDI. If so what paperwork I need to fill out?
Lot of variables, including your citizenship or residency. You definitely have to fill out a form every year to prove that you're alive though.
@@MyGovExpert thank you so much I appreciate the answers
US Citizen, what is the name of that paperwork living abroad on SSDI?
If I move to the Philippines and live there I have my bank account in the Philippines where my ssi retirement goes do I still half to pay taxes on my retirement
What if you have creditable coverage in the country you have moved to? I have private med insurance and public medical coverage in Spain, would I still have to pay a penalty?
Most likely yes.
can u keep medicare medicaid going over seas
my x will be 64 this year and planning on going back to his country he has been working here sence the 1980's ... I am on ssd . I do not turn 62 for 3 years.. No one even his kids to not talk to him.. If he is over seas and passes Is there away to find out
Depends on the country.
Is it true that the social security administration is moving to a email system to send out the proof of life notification every two years? That would make life a lot easier to move overseas as everything is electronic now days.
Good question. Would very much to see your response Dr. Weir!
Darn! Looks like we got cut off, and I think you were just starting my question. Lol
Not sure what happened. Another LIVE tomorrow. See you then.
Question please
I am a 63 year old disabled vet
I get medical coverage from VA at no cost when in America as part of my benefits
I live overseas
Medical is affordable out of pocket here and anything big I return for VA coverage in the US
I have a separate policy here for emergency inpatient just in case
I just started getting my social security last year
Will I be required to take Medicare when I turn 65 since I have VA coverage?
Thank you for your time
Please join one of my FREE LIVE Q&A sessions and I can answer your question more fully. Or, you can schedule a private call here: calendly.com/mygovexpert/consult
@@MyGovExpert
I can try but sites are hard to get here in china even with a vpn, they drop out even when I can get them more times than not.
Thank you very much
It seems SS is heavily means tested. I have paid both SS and into retirement.. the taxability on SS will be high forever. I am not rich. I am 62 and not taken my early as of now. I would owe tax on 85% federal at AGI SS security 6 hr call wait that only "wages" affect the SS tax if you go early? Not sure why the percentage on with holding groups look all . Not based on the or 50
I work in the US for over 10 years now i live in north Africa am i qualified to apply for retirement i am 62 years years old
My fiance americain in tunisia SHE WANT TO LIVE IN TUNISIA IN north africa she have SSA AND SSDI
I HAVE QUESTION SSA AND SSDI CAN WORK IN TUNISIA?
Make sure you check the Social Security link I put in the description
Overpayments topic please cover
I just did a live session today on overpayments based on all the new changes. I'll keep you posted if I find out anything else.
Does the social security Administration proactively contact you to verify you are still alive or still allowed to receive benefits?
Not unless there's some suspicion. Or you're living overseas or something
Thank you.
Ironically, if you are overseas and need extensive medical care or surgery, you can go to Cuba and get it for free. Cuba has much better quality doctors than the U.S. and doesn't see healthcare as a privilege reserved for the .001 of the population.
Yes, medical tourism is becoming very popular.
India has a strong medical tourism as well. I used it in 2011. Very good experience
FIRST: Can I contact you with a few questions?
I am turning 65 this year, The SSA mixed up my earning records and delete 12 years of my record, making me not eligible for Medicare. I left the USA in February this year and moved back to Germany as I cannot pay for Part A & B from my SSDI. As a dual citizen I am immediately covered with health care and long-term care for a percentage of my German pension. I pay 125 USD per month for 100% coverage with no deductible.
I cannot afford to live in the US without a health insurance. I am sorry to say this. But the US is a 3rd world country if it comes to take care for its own citizens. Sorry USofA
Make sure you join one of my live sessions. Or I have very, very limited appointments. Available in the description.
You can only keep your Medicare plan A, but not MEDICARE PART B, if you live abroad. You can also buy expat insurance .
What's a good expat insurance for the elderly?
Can I live overseas in case I receive the survivor benefits as a widow? Thank you.
Please check the tool I put in the description
oh my frekin god, please...
Will medicare advantage cover your medical expenses when you get sick while having a vacation abroad ?
Call your Advantage company/ plan. Mine does not.
If I marry a foreign woman in a foreign country, can she get my shirt check when I die?
Nobody can guarantee that they are never returning to the USA where dropping Medicare is concerned. If individuals take the same actuarial approach that insurance companies do, then there is no statistical reason to keep Medicare b in force. The examples presented are biased and fear mongering. I would guess that you have a service to sell and thus the reason for the bias. The fact is only a few will regret not having Medicare b while living long term overseas. With proper financial planning the chances of regret are almost zero. With bad planning, regret will be significant on more than just the Medicare aspect of retirement. Bottom line - be well prepared or don’t retire overseas
I will have to make the part B decision in 2 years. even with the penalties it will take 10 years to aquire a real penalty for not having part b if you consider the savings from not having to pay the premium to start
@MyGovExpert Dr. Weir, I recently moved overseas 3 months ago...already had Direct Dep into my bank in USA. I have set up a pin to wire transfer my SS to the USD acct in the country I moved to, so I just call and they wire it. But can I actually keep that account when the address still shows the address of the house we sold? They can't add a foreign address I would think? So is there a Bank in the USA like the one you mentioned who will allow the dir deposit from Soc Sec even though we moved? I still have bills in the USA I need to pay, so I'm not in a hurry to transfer it but want to follow the rules.