Huge Win for US Expats: Ditch the Mail – Sign SSA Forms by Phone
Living abroad and dreading those SSA forms? The SSA’s new 2025 policy lets you complete Forms SSA-7161 & SSA-7162 with a quick phone call! Learn how to use the signature proxy method in this step-by-step guide.
If you're a US expat receiving Social Security payments abroad, I've got game-changing news that's gonna save you time, stamps, and a whole lot of hassle. We're talking about the end of the dreaded SSA-7161 and SSA-7162 forms mailing nightmare. No more hoping your form arrives in time by mail or paying for expensive shipping via DHL or FedEx. You can now handle this with a quick phone call and a 'signature proxy.' Let's dive in!"
A quick refresher:
First off, a quick refresher: If you're living outside the US and getting Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, the SSA requires annual 'proof of life' and eligibility checks. That's where Forms SSA-7161 and SSA-7162 come in. The 7161 is for reps or guardians handling funds for kids or incapacitated adults, and the 7162 is the standard Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire for everyone else.
In the old days – and by 'old days,' I mean up until January, 2025 – you'd get these forms in the mail, complete the form, sign it in ink, and mail them back to the SSA's Wilkes-Barre office. If you miss the deadline, your benefits will be suspended.
Due to international mail delays as the world tries to figure out tariffs, I't’s actually impossible to mail your form from most places.
The Good News:
Hold onto your passports, folks. We can now do this by telephone! Thanks to the new SSA policy, you no longer have to mail anything. Instead, you can complete these forms via a 'signature proxy' process over the phone. It's basically an 'attestation' method where you verbally confirm everything under penalty of perjury.
The SSA rep acts as your proxy signer, they note your verbal oath on the form, and boom, it's all done and legally binding.
No notary, no stamps, no lost mail drama. Just you, your phone, and a 10-15 minute call. This applies to both forms and is perfect for expats in remote spots or dealing with unreliable postal services.
Imagine this: You're sipping coffee in Bali or hiking in the Alps, and instead of stressing over a form, you knock it out during your morning walk. Thousands of expats are already breathing easier – and with global mail issues on the rise, this couldn't come at a better time."
So How to do this:
Follow these four steps, it’s super easy:
Wait for your form notice – they'll still mail that to remind you it's time.
Call the SSA's Office of Earnings & International Operations at +1-410-965-0160 (that's for international callers; toll-free if you're in the US). Have your Social Security number and any rep info ready.
The rep will walk you through the questions on the phone, verify your identity, and read you the attestation script. You'll swear the info's true – easy peasy.
They'll handle the proxy signature, process the form electronically, and send you a confirmation copy. Done!
Pro tip: If you're near a Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at a US embassy or consulate, you can even do this in person for that extra layer of hand-holding." Manila is an option for those of us here in the Philippines.
Not all employees may be aware of this:
Although this update comes straight from the SSA's Program Operations Manual System – specifically section GN 00201.100, which green-lights signature proxies for these exact forms. The links for official references are below.
There you have it. It's all about making things easier for us global nomads while keeping Uncle Sam happy. No more suspensions from mail mix-ups – your benefits stay safe and steady. You now have one less headache for your expat adventure. If this saved you time (or sanity), hit that like button, subscribe for more US benefits abroad hacks, and drop a comment: What's your biggest SSA pain point? Have you tried the phone method yet?
Joey Out!
Links to the POMS policy and SSA contact info are below. Stay global, stay paid!
Links:
SSA Foreign Benefits Page: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/
POMS GN 00201.100 (Signature Proxy Policy): https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201100
POMS GN 00201.015 (Attestation Details): https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200201015
SSA International Operations Contact: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/contact.html