How does a US military veteran claim a new spouse as dependent to get a pay raise?

Question

How does a United States military veteran claim a new wife as dependent so that he can get a pay raise? How is this done abroad? I am based in Bangkok and we're told the VA here doesn't process such applications and we have to go to the VA in Manila, Philippines. How do expats living in Bangkok, Thailand do this? What forms are needed and what are the associated fees?

Answer 1

The Embassy in Bangkok does not directly process Social Security or Federal Benefits claims. We do help U.S. citizens or dependants access federal benefits through the regional Social Security Administration office in Manila. We do this by:

Providing information and federal forms                                  

Certifying supporting documents for SSN applications and federal benefits applications.

Contacting the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration and Office of Personnel Management in order to follow-up on claims, application status, SSN applications, report change of address, and to report non-receipt of benefits.

All original documents in Thai language must be translated by certified translators. However, legalization of English translations and Thai documents are no longer required by SSA.

SSA Manila Contact information:

Social Security Administration

American Embassy

1131 Roxas Blvd.

Ermita

0930 Manila

Philippines

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]                                                  

Email: [e-mail]

What do you need to do?

Open a “Direct Deposit” Account at the Bangkok Bank branch nearest your home. The Bank will assist you in opening a Direct Deposit Account. We suggest you clearly tell the bank staff that this account is for receiving a pension from SSA, or VA.

Sign Form 1199: Please bring 3 completed forms sf1199 to the headquarters branch of Bangkok Bank.  The bank will forward your completed Direct Deposit form (Form 1199 A) to the SSA in US. You will be able to access your benefits from the Bangkok Bank branch near your house after your request has been completely processed. This often takes a few months. For more information please contact:

Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited

Currency Exchange Service

Global Payment Services Department

333 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500

Tel: [phone]

Website: http://www.bangkokbank.com/Bangkok+Bank/...

Transfering+Funds/Receiving+Funds/Advi... or contact Bualuang Phone Tel: 1333 or [phone]

please refer to this page i will add:

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/fed...

Veterans Benefits (VA)

Veterans should contact VA via  https://iris.va.gov/

PS:

not sure,as to where you would apply? this is really a  new domain for me,

you can look at the VA map,here given:

https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php...

and also look on the left side of the page.... and , check the frequent questions query/ faqs;

here go to this page, write to them and ask them, or send them a copy of the wedding registration,

https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php...

translated, if you married in Bangkok,consult the US embassy under citizen consular services, look for marriage registration, if you have not done this yet?

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service/mar...

i imagine? you could contact the VA within your state of residence....... and explain your new situation?

https://iris.va.gov/scripts/iris.cfg/php...

hope it helps?