Federal Benefits and Taxes
Social Security and Federal Benefits
The Embassy in Bangkok does not directly process Social Security or Federal Benefits claims. We do help U.S. citizens or dependants access federal benefits through the regional Social Security Administration office in Manila. We do this by:
Appointments for notarials and certifications can be made online here.
The 15 Northern provinces of Thailand are served by the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai. These provinces are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaengphet, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Petchabun, Phayao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak and Uttaradit.
SSA Manila Contact information:
Social Security Administration
American Embassy
1131 Roxas Blvd.
Ermita
0930 Manila
Philippines
Tel: (632) 525-6614
Fax: (632) 522-1514
Email: SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov
First-Time Social Security Application
At ACS we can certify photocopies of documents. Customers can then attach the certified photocopies with the application form and send to the regional Social Security Administration office in Manila by registered mail.
The following documents are required for filing a new SSN application:-
1. If a child is under 12 years of age, customers will need to bring in a parent’s valid U.S. passport, a child’s valid U.S. passport, a child’s birth certificate (if a child was born in the U.S, the U.S. birth certificate. If a child is born in Thailand, the Thai birth certificate, English translation and both documents no longer must be legalized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before bringing the documents in to ACS. Finally, you must also have the child’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued at the U.S. Embassy (if a child’s born in Thailand). A child does not need to appear in person for this.
2. For children over 12 years of age and adults applying for the first time, kindly bring in the above documents in item (1) together with an interview certificate form (required for anyone over the age of 12 applying for the 1st time) and a personal statement of late filing.
Direct Deposit of Federal Benefits
The Embassy highly recommends the use of direct deposit for all long-term Thailand residents that receive benefit checks. You are able to request your agency to deposit the benefits directly to your account either in a U.S. or Thailand-based bank.
Direct Deposit to a U.S.-Based Bank
The Social Security Administration requests you to submit a Direct Deposit Form (Form 1199A). The form is available at the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit or online at www.ssa.gov
Direct Deposit to a Thailand-Based Bank
Bangkok Bank is the only provider of Direct Deposit services for persons who receive benefits from the following agencies: Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Administration (VA), and Civil Service. Contact Bangkok Bank directly for terms and conditions.
What do you need to do?
1. Open a “Direct Deposit” Account at the Bangkok Bank branch nearest your home. The Bank will assist you in opening a Direct Deposit Account. We suggest you clearly tell the bank staff that this account is for receiving a pension from SSA, or VA.
2. Sign Form 1199: Please bring 3 completed forms sf1199 to the headquarters branch of Bangkok Bank. The bank will forward your completed Direct Deposit form (Form 1199 A) to the SSA in US. You will be able to access your benefits from the Bangkok Bank branch near your house after your request has been completely processed. This often takes a few months. For more information please contact:
Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
Foreign Exchange Service Section
Retail Payment Services Department
333 Silom Road, Bkk. 10500
Tel: (02) 230-1322-3
If you are currently receiving benefits by Direct Deposit, they will continue to be deposited to your previous account until the new request has been completely processed.
If you are currently residing in Thailand, you can notify your agency of your new address through the Embassy’s American Citizen Services unit.
The American Citizen Services unit will also make a certified copy of your original passport if you bring it in. There is no fee for this service when it is being used for Social Security purposes.
Social Security Benefits for Spouses
If qualified to apply for a SSN, a spouse needs to bring the following supporting documents for ACS Bangkok or Chiang Mai to certify*:
1. Valid passport (it’s best to bring in the passport in the marriage surname)
2. Thai I.D. card, with English translation and both Thai and English documents.
3. Thai birth certificate with English translation and both Thai and English documents.
4. Marriage certificate with English translation and both documents.
*documents no longer need to be legalized by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Spouses will also need to complete an interview certificate (for anyone over 12 years old applying for a SSN for the 1st time) and sign in front of a consular officer during our window hours.
Taxes
There is no Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office at the Embassy, although an IRS representative normally visits the Embassy during the tax season in March-April each year to assist taxpayers.
Please see our Recent Public Announcements for current information regarding IRS visits.
For a list of private tax consultants and tax preparers in Bangkok, please click here.
Tax forms and publications will also be ready for pick up at ACS Bangkok from January onwards. To obtain the foreign exchange rate, please visit www.federalreserve.gov The official rate for 2008 is 34.82 Baht. There is no IRS representative in Thailand, please refer to the information file below.
Veterans Benefits (VA)
Veterans should contact VA via https://iris.va.gov/
However, we can also pass on inquiries to the VA including reports of non-receipt checks and follow-up on disability claims.
JUSMAGTHAI (Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group Thailand) at 7 Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok can also help with general VA issues. Their contact telephone number is (02) 287-1036
OPM (Office of Personnel Management)
The Embassy can help pass on queries to OPM such as report of non-receipt checks, change of address, report of death of Thai OPM beneficiaries and non-urgent queries.
New! Important Tax Information for U.S. Citizens Residing Abroad
The IRS has launched a new comprehensive tax page for U.S. citizens residing abroad that contains basic tax information that Americans overseas need to know!
The site includes links to helpful information on several important topics, such as the foreign earned income exclusion, foreign tax credit, reporting foreign bank accounts, Fulbright grants, state taxes, and much more. Check it out here!
