TRANSCRIPT

Online Chat – June 9, 2005

U.S. Federal Benefits Internet Chat - June 9, 2005

Mr. Tom Ashley, the Regional Federal Benefits Officer for the Asia Pacific Region conducted an on-line chat session on Thursday June 9, 2005 to discuss a variety of Social Security Administration issues including:

· Benefits entitlements

· Social Security Numbers

· Services available outside the U.S.

· Differences between services in the U.S. and Australia

· How to contact the Regional Office in Manila directly for service

Begin transcript:

Q: I am an Australian author who will be selling books in the United States. I've been told I need a social security number. Is this right?

A: Social Security numbers will only be issued to U.S. citizens, or to individuals who have been given authority to work in the United States. For the Individual Tax Identification Number please contact the IRS. This number is for non-U.S citizens.

Q: And how do I contact the IRS?

A: The website is www.irs.gov

Q: I’m an elderly person on a fixed income and I’m unable to make long distance phone calls. How can I get in contact with the Social Security Office?

A: By email at SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov or by mail at 1131 Roxas Blvd, Ermita Manila, Philippines. The U.S. Consulate can also send a message to Manila on their behalf and request SSA to contact the beneficiary.

Q: If I worked for 3 years in the United States and 15 years in Australia, am I eligible for benefits under the Totalization Agreement?

A: Probably yes. Social Security would need to look further at the specifics. If the combined U.S. and Australian work life is at least 10 years, the worker may qualify for U.S. Social Security; however, we would need to look at the specifics before giving a definitive answer. Contact Social Security Administration (SSA) in Manila at SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov for questions about U.S. SSA entitlement and centrelink for information about Australian eligibility.

Q: I receive a monthly benefit from the Veterans Administration. When will VA have electronic direct deposits set up for a beneficiary in Australia?

A: Direct Deposit of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) payments in Australia is not available at this time, however, the Department of Veteran's Affairs is working to establish direct deposit in the near future.

Q: When I sign up for direct deposit, how long does it take before my money is in my account?

A: Between 30 and 60 days depending on the date the request is submitted to the Social Security Administration.

Q: Can you briefly explain the Totalization Agreement?

A: The Social Security agreement between the U.S. and Australia: 1. eliminates dual Social Security coverage and taxation of the same work, and 2. permits workers (and their family members) to qualify for partial U.S. or Australian benefits, even though they do not meet the normal insured status requirements (for U.S. benefits) or Australian residence requirements (For Australian Social Security benefits). The agreement provisions on eliminating dual coverage and taxation apply to the U.S. SS program and also to an Australian program called Superannuation Guarantee that requires employers to pay contributions to private retirement plans for their employees. Australia's basic SS program is funded through general revenues. The agreement does not eliminate the taxes that finance the Australian SS program.

Q: My daughter was born in the U.S. and came to Queensland with her mother and me when she was 6. She doesn't have a social security number and when we contacted the consulate to apply, we were told that she needed to come to the consulate in person for an interview and that it could take up to 6 months for a US-born applicant! Why does a 14 year old need to travel all the way to Sydney and why does it take so long?

A: Post September 11th 2001 security laws and regulations required Social Security to strengthen the integrity of the Social Security number process. The regulations are applied uniformly all over the world. If your daughter lived in the U.S. she would need to apply at the Social Security Office nearest to her, because she's in Australia, that is in Sydney. The process takes so long because of the need to verify all of the information on the application.

Q: Thank you, but I was told specifically that US born applicants take longer than foreign born applicants. I would have thought it would be easier to verify information from US born applicants than foreign born! But thank you for the information. This internet chat is a great idea- very innovative!

Q: If I’m a Veteran, why do I have to call the United States Veteran’s Affairs Administration instead of calling Manila?

A: The Manila regional office has jurisdiction of VA claims in Philippines only. The Regional office with jurisdiction of VA issues in Australia is the Pittsburgh Regional office. You should be able to contact them via the website http://www.va.gov.

Q: How do I terminate payments into Medicare as I live permanently in Australia and won’t be using Medicare benefits?

A: Please contact Social Security Manila at: SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov or by mail at 1131 Roxas Blvd, Ermita 0930 Manila, Philippines.

Q: Hi there! I am about to submit an application for retirement benefits- is it better to send the originals to Manila instead of copies?

A: You'll need to send the originals, or copies certified by the U.S. Consulate and include a return registered post envelope to have your documents returned to you.

Q: OK, how long should I expect to be without my originals if I send them to Manila?

A: It depends on mail time. Manila should return your original documents within one week of receiving them.

Q: Can I apply for benefits online?

A: At this time, online applications are available only to those with U.S. addresses. We hope to offer this service to overseas beneficiaries in the future.

Q: What is the minimum amount of Social Security benefits payable?

A: There is no minimum monthly SS benefit, although for administrative reasons, we will not pay a benefit of less than $1.00. However, to receive any amount of SS benefits, you must have the minimum amount of work credits. Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 work credits to be eligible for retirement benefits. Therefore since you can earn four credits per year, you will need at least 10 years of work to become eligible for retirement benefits.

Q: What happens if I lose my Social Security card? Should I be worried about Identity theft?

A: A request for a replacement card can be done by completing the SS-5 application form available at www.ssa.gov. Regarding the identity fraud, it is suggested you periodically check your earnings record with Social Security for erroneous postings. Also advise Social Security if you believe someone is using your Social Security Number.

Q: Thanks.

Q: When a Social Security Beneficiary dies, does the funeral home notify Social Security or is notification up to the family?

A: The notification is up to the family. Contact should be made with Social Security in Manila via email, regular mail or the nearest Consulate or Embassy.

Q: Excellent. Thanks

Q: Can I have my documents certified by Centrelink?

A: Social Security Administration accepts documents certified by Centrelink.

A: Do we have any other questions? We will be closing the chat in a few minutes.

Q: I live in northern Queensland. Does my 14 year old first time SSN applicant have to come all the way to Sydney for a mandatory interview?

A: Yes, a personal appearance is necessary for the 14 year old first time applicant.

Q: Thank you for making time available to answer these questions

A: Consulate - Thank you so much for your interest in this chat session and your questions. We look forward to the next opportunity for a chat session that will be advertised on the Consulate website. You may contact Social Security Manila via email SSAD.VARO.MANILA@ssa.gov or by regular mail at 1131 Roxas Blvd, Ermita 0930 Manila, Philippines.

End Transcript.