Colombia Forum

cafetero
Joined 2015
Posts: 2328

6 years ago

Social Security-Proof of Life Form 7162

6 years ago

Social Security Proof of Life Form 7162

Social Security recipients living overseas have to prove they are alive every two years or they are declared dead and their benefits stopped.

it happened to me back in 2012 and the declaration of death went to my bank and they blocked my account. It took two months to get my Social Security benefits payments started up again. I had to appeal to US Embassy Costa Rica to get reinstated.

Proof of Life forms are mailed to expats in May-June and if not received back by September they will mail you again in October-November. If not received back by January your payments cease in February.

This happened to 300 expats in Panama last year, so its a real thing.

Expats with SS number ending in 00 through 49 get mailed on even number years.

Expats with SS number ending in 50 through 99 get mailed in odd numbered years.

If you do not receive the form letter from SS in the mail (I´ve never yet received one in 8 years) you can download the form at

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/peru/444495/ssa-forms/SSA-7162.pdf

I do not depend on the 472 mail in Colombia, and I refuse to pay Servientrega 35,000 pesos to mail it for me.

Instead, I fill out the form, sign it and have a friend witness it. Then scan it and email it to my friend in the US who prints it out and sends it snail mail to Social Security.

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Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.