How to U.S. SSA & VA for new Wife and kids

A thread on another forum got me researching about future security of my dependents on there and here the last couple hours and I think I know part of an answer but not the whole answer to this scenario.

Getting married to a Filipina (Philippine citizen) and staying here, kids (dual citizenship?) will probably show up sooner or later.

Questions:
1)Does my wife qualify as my dependent for U.S. SSA benefits under me? What are the minimum requirements she has to meet?

2)Does my wife qualify as my dependent for U.S. VA disability benefits under me? What are the minimum requirements she has to meet?

3)Do our kids qualify as my dependents for U.S. SSA benefits under me? What are the minimum requirements they has to meet?

4)Do our kids qualify as my dependents for U.S. VA disability benefits under me? What are the minimum requirements they has to meet?

 

For the Social Security questions look at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf on how the SSA determines how and whether non resident aliens get benefits.

Hope this helps.

Gary

 

4. Your kids MUST have SSN numbers now. Its a newer policy put in place while a few years ago just a birth certificate that shows you as the father would do they now require a SSN on the application. I tried to submit my son who I haven't gotten a US birth abroad filed yet and it wouldn't go through so I made a few calls and this is what I was told. But that is all that is required the kid to have an SSN and proof of your child (birth certificate with you listed).

2. Considering #4 I wouldn't be that surprised if the wife also needed a SSN as well to qualify considering how hard they hit the kids with their changes. However I don't know this as a fact but just a complete and utter guess that easily could be wrong.

As far as SSA goes I have no information on that and the VA changes from what I was told is strictly VA changes.

 

My daughter is a dual citizen with ssa benefits, my wife not being a U.S. citizen has absolutely no ss benefits.. Getting a child a ss number and citizenship is a big pain and expensive these days, but well worth it for the future of the child.

For citizenship count going to cebu most likely 2 times or more with your child and swear he or she is your child, then Most have to go to Manila for a DNA test for you,your wife and child. Other than all the paperwork involved bring lot's of pictures of you and your pregnant wife and child growing up.

 

I went through this with both my children. My wife has a TIN (Tax Identification Number) from the IRS for tax purposes. My children have SSN's and both US and Php. passports. Once you get the Birth abroad Certificate you apply for the passport. which can be done by courier service LBC or any other. Now for the scary part. The embassy will send the passports to your home. Then you can send in the SSN application along with the child's passport and yours. You will receive your passports back separately from the child's SSN card. As soon as you get the child's SSN card add them to your SSN account online and that child will start getting their dependent check from Social Security. the child gets half of what ever your check is. So for example if your check is $1,000 the child will get $500 each month until the child turns 18. You still get your same check amount the child's money is in addition to yours. For your Php spouse to be eligible the spouse would have to live and work in the US and qualify for a US SSN card.

 

My assumption for the children seems to be correct. Simple approval process - after jumping through many paperwork hoops for citizenship/passport/SSN.

What is more confusing is the rules for my spouse (who is my spouse and responsibility regardless of nationality) qualifying for SSA and VA benefits under MY benefit. The first two things that come to mind are 1)now, getting the additional spouse portion of VA disability compensation and 2)future, surviving spouse/dependant VA and SSA benefit.

 

I suggest if you have not already done so, to go to socialsecurity.gov website and create your personal online account with them. You will be able to see all the recorded payments you made to S.S. You will be able to track your payments change where the payments are sent and add dependents. You can also read all the current rules and send questions directly to SS

 

The VA is a completely different animal to deal with. My dealings with the VA have been totally adversarial, they seem to at times despise veterans and take joy in their game of denial and refusal of benefits and care.

 

For Social Security I again recommend you carefully read the SSA publication I linked to in an earlier post. For your natural (biological) children there is probably no real issue as lng as you get them registered and SS number, as stated by other posters, as they are US citizens based on your US citizenship. For your wife it is more complicated as there are several factors which determines her eligibility, which the publication I referenced, details.

You may also contact the SSA representative at the Manila embassy as they are likely well informed on this topic and can give you reliable information.



Gary

 

This might be helpful: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf