MEMBER TO MEMBER: SOCIAL SECURITY- UPDATE & HELPFUL NOTES FROM A MEMBER
New Info from the Social Security Administration for Overseas Customers with Helpful Notes from Susan M. Cashin, a Member who called them to test and confirm! – June 2026
This is updated info to another article Susan wrote recently based on her own and other members' experiences with not receiving their payments. You may want to read the first article for context.
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To ensure continuity of your Social Security payments or to get in touch with them, please head to the Earnings & International Operations page on the Social Security Administration website https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/
The following notes are shared Member to Member to help ensure you receive and return your SSA 7162 forms (often called the “proof of life” forms). Members have experienced challenges as SSA mails forms out through the post and expects them to be mailed back within 60 days but many countries, including South Africa, have limited postal service which makes this challenging.
Please note: Democrats Abroad does not provide legal advice or direct assistance with Social Security. This information is only to provide links to info and notes from Members to ease the process.
Read these tips as you go through the info on the website:
MEMBER TIP: You may call the highlighted number for assistance if necessary. I suggest that you call as soon as the phone lines open. I called early on a Monday and waited only 10 minutes for an agent. She was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and a delight to work with.
MEMBER TIP: The agent may place you on hold during the call. Let them know right away that you’re calling from South Africa and ask up front if they can call you back, particularly if the call drops. They have the number and the ability to call you back.
MEMBER NOTE: You can download the forms at these links.
https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/ssa7161ocrsm.pdf
https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/ssa7162ocrsm.pdf
Instruction for Form SSA-7161 – This form is for those representing a SSA payee.
Instruction for Form SSA-7162 – This form is for a SSA payee.
MEMBER TIP: The agent stated that if you have not received your SSA forms listed above via mail by late June or July, then download the appropriate form, fill it out and return to the appropriate mailing address listed here.
MEMBER NOTE: If you download a form you must include the following information on the form. Use the wide blank space between the 1st and 2nd question on the form. Print clearly and legibly your full legal name – present address – and Social Security number. The first box is only to be filled if your address has changed.
EXAMPLE
Jane J. Doe Social Security Number 111 11 1111
Address
City
Country and Code
If you return your form via mail the address to be used is as follows: (**Please note that postal mail from South Africa is not recommended. If you use it, please try to contact them to ensure it is received)
For SSA 7162
Social Security Administration
Direct Operations Center
P.O. Box 7162
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-7162
For SSA 7161
Social Security Administration
Wilkes Barre Direct Operations Center
P.O. Box 7161
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-7161
MEMBER NOTE: If you choose to send your completed forms via courier i.e. DHL, FedEx, etc. use this address below.
Social Security Administration
Wilkes Barre Direct Operations Center
Attention FEQ Analyst – Courier Service
1150 E. Mountain Dr. Room 341
Wilkes Barre PA 18792-7997
+1 855 522 6936 NOTE: Use this phone number if required by the courier service.