Over 200 Americans in Panama will not get their US Social Security checks next month (Feb. 2017).
This is because those folks didn’t file the required “proof of life” form.
So if you didn’t turn in your form, your February 3rd, 2017 check will be suspended.
Don’t worry, you can get your benefits reinstated. Start with an email, as I explain below.
Keep in mind, most people only need to submit this form every other year. (See submittal requirements below)
Who Has To Fill Out The Form
Do you receive benefits from the US Social Security Administration (SSA)? Then you were required to submit a Proof of Life form in 2016, if you meet any of the conditions below:
- Beneficiary with a representative payee, or
- Beneficiary aged 90 and over, or
- The last 2 digits of your SSN are 00 – 49
(note: If your SSN ends in 50 -99, you must submit the “Proof of Life” form in 2017, not 2016)
When Were The Forms Mailed
In May/June of each year these forms are sent to the mailing address you have on record with the SSA. A second request is mailed in October.
This is why it is important to keep your address updated with SSA.
To Reinstate Benefits
If you were required to submit your proof of life form to SSA in 2016 but haven’t, you should e-mail the Federal Benefits at [email protected] .
Ask for them to email you a “Proof of Life” form and instructions on how to get your benefits reinstated.
More Information
I have written more extensively on the required SSA Proof of Life form in a previous post.
