Until now, these databases are not connected. There are 1000s of different antiquated platforms operating in silos with some of the US's lowest common denominator of button pusher employee sending your data on horseback across departments.
- Thread starter SKY
- Start date
Social Security payments suspended for Americans abroad
Of course, it's set up that way! I remember years back I asked a Dominican friend a question like why some system (i forget) was so complicated. He said "por ladrón"
Nothing is automatic, but there are people that got added to the list by getting their passport here. Don't forget you have to fill out a form with a DR address to get the passport. I would never renew here........
He is correct, but the current incentive payment amount is 250 actually.
User SKY has always had no nonsense advice regarding many things DR on these boards. His style is from a position of arrogance and many times condescension, but nevertheless the data is useful and mostly accurate. No need to take it personally.
That said, whereas the DR participates in the the SSA's International direct deposit program, one always runs a greater risk with 3rd world banking entities. It's really a risk question, that's all.
Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
Just for the record. You do NOT need a US bank account or even a Dominican one to collect your SS in the DR. All you need is a US address to get this card listed below. It is an International Master Card that works ALL over the World, including here.............
Direct Express
fiscal.treasury.gov
Dodging DOGER are we?
For the past 21 years I have renewed my US passport in the DR. First using the Puerto Plata, when that was no longer possible then using DOMEX to and from the US Embassy in Santo Domingo. So far no issues from doing that. Could there be in the future? Who knows.
I do not have SSA payments deposited to a DR bank.
SKY normally has good advise, but is still incorrect at times.
I have had problems several times using plastic in the DR. Both with DR and US banks, so I would rather not use credit/debit cards here.
Those I avoid like the plague. After all they could see you are using your SSA Debit card in the DR, no? (You're Not paranoid if they really are after you)..
Some are clearly not prepared to leave the US, ever. If you are getting critical life process solutions from this website, you most likely have bigger problems and probably need a good attorney or to return home ASAP.
I guarantee you, performing various Dept of State and Treasury actions from the DR as a US citizen creates red flags in those systems that you most likely will never be made aware of until it's too late.
That said, you're a straight shooter, from what I've gathered over the years, and most likely do not have these sorts of problems.
Of course, it is impossible to predict what actions will be taken, what databases not linked now will be later, etc. , and how the USG will react then.
Depositing SSA payments directly to a DR bank does seem to trigger the annual proof of life letter, which is a royal PITA to deal with from the DR due to the lack of a real mail system here.
No but have you ever tried to mail something to the USA and expect it to have a timely arrival? I have a friend who has mailed the required document twice. The first mailing was 2 months ago and the second a month ago. He called the American Embassy and 2 days later the Social Security Office in America called him and said you will have your money in 48 hrs and he did. Go figure!
And that is what anyone who has to respond to the SSA letter will find out. The DR does not have a mail system that functions, So you use the very slow methods from EPS, or other such service that will get your letter eventually to you in the DR and even slower going back to the USPS system and your letter is late in getting back to SSA.. Then you get in touch with SSA where ebonics becomes a useful dialect when you have to axe them questions about why your payment stopped.
Foreign bank accounts are flag generators, regardless if your transactions are clean or suspect.