Transfer US Social Security checks to Canada?

[Benni]

I'm a PR and have lived here almost a year. I've been getting my Social Security checks direct deposit to my US bank for years.
When I moved here, I started transferring the money, through PayPal to my bank here.

Should I continue doing that, now that I'm an official PR, or can I contact the Social Security office to have them direct deposit to my bank here?

I've read that the SS office may lower my monthly amount if I do that -- I can't afford that!

 

[saria1]

I'm a PR and have lived here almost a year. I've been getting my Social Security checks direct deposit to my US bank for years.
When I moved here, I started transferring the money, through PayPal to my bank here.

Should I continue doing that, now that I'm an official PR, or can I contact the Social Security office to have them direct deposit to my bank here?

I've read that the SS office may lower my monthly amount if I do that -- I can't afford that!

Maybe setting up a TD Bank cross border account will help? You can keep the direct deposit going into an American account and then do a simple transfer into your Canadian TD Bank account.

 

[Alurra71]

I'm a PR and have lived here almost a year. I've been getting my Social Security checks direct deposit to my US bank for years.
When I moved here, I started transferring the money, through PayPal to my bank here.

Should I continue doing that, now that I'm an official PR, or can I contact the Social Security office to have them direct deposit to my bank here?

I've read that the SS office may lower my monthly amount if I do that -- I can't afford that!

Benni,

I have a US Funds account with RBC. You could probably get one of those easily enough, if you still have a mailing address you can use for it in the US. If you also have RBC as your regular banking system you can then just transfer the money to the Canadian account, or you can use your RBC bank card. Good luck finding something suitable for yourself!

 

[Benni]

Thanks for the replies! I have an account with BOM but not sure they do that. I'll call next week and see.

I mainly wondered if it would pay off to have the check transferred here by contacting the SS office, because I'd read they may reduce the amount. .... Or just leave things as they are.

 

[Mailat]

I'm having a horrible time getting U.S. Social Security to direct deposit my benefits to my CIBC account which I've had for almost 4 years now. Social Security US keeps telling me that the "routing number" is "inactive". Funds go through Wells Fargo NY and on to CIBC. I've spent the equivalent of 2 months time doing my own telephone calls, e-mails, letter-writing to both, Wells Fargo and CIBC. THEY tell me that everything's fine with the routing number but Social Security refuses to correct their records. Just lately, Social Security decided, with-out my permission, to send me one of their "debit cards". Useless. One cash withdrawal per month (go ahead an just try THAT at an ATM), if I withdraw at a Canadian banque I have to pay 3$US PLUS 3%! The card doesn't allow for something like "bill pay" out-side the US. (Not to mention, if I use it as a regular "debit card" for shopping in Canada, I have to pay a fee of 3% of all purchases!)

My questions:
1. Does anybody else have any experience with direct deposit of US Social Security to CIBC?
2. Does anybody else have any experience with the Social Security "DirectExpress" debit card as far as transferring funds to a banque other than the Royal?

I see that this thread is old but, if I don't try and ask it's as good as staying silent and after all the hours I've invested doing the work that the Social Security Administration should be doing, I'm giving this a try.

Thanks all.

 

[Dara99]

I'm having a horrible time getting U.S. Social Security to direct deposit my benefits to my CIBC account which I've had for almost 4 years now. Social Security US keeps telling me that the "routing number" is "inactive". Funds go through Wells Fargo NY and on to CIBC. I've spent the equivalent of 2 months time doing my own telephone calls, e-mails, letter-writing to both, Wells Fargo and CIBC. THEY tell me that everything's fine with the routing number but Social Security refuses to correct their records. Just lately, Social Security decided, with-out my permission, to send me one of their "debit cards". Useless. One cash withdrawal per month (go ahead an just try THAT at an ATM), if I withdraw at a Canadian banque I have to pay 3$US PLUS 3%! The card doesn't allow for something like "bill pay" out-side the US. (Not to mention, if I use it as a regular "debit card" for shopping in Canada, I have to pay a fee of 3% of all purchases!)

My questions:
1. Does anybody else have any experience with direct deposit of US Social Security to CIBC?
2. Does anybody else have any experience with the Social Security "DirectExpress" debit card as far as transferring funds to a banque other than the Royal?

I see that this thread is old but, if I don't try and ask it's as good as staying silent and after all the hours I've invested doing the work that the Social Security Administration should be doing, I'm giving this a try.

Thanks all.

I have been waiting 16 months for Social Security to get my benefit payments to me. Finally all was approved on Feb 1 but since then they can't seem to get the money into my bank account. I've logged literally days on the phone speaking to SS agents in practically every state in the union trying to clear this up. They do ask for a routing number which from my research is what you use when you WIRE not direct deposit money. However, after all this time, the last person I spoke to said they use the routing number to set up the account. That is very, very strange. If you Google for this information the SSA has a form specifically for direct deposit payments to Canada. On it they assign an RTN of 51 for a Canadian currency checking account. Then your Branch, Transit and checking account number. That's it. No where is a routing number mentioned. So their forms are wrong? Or is the agent on the phone wrong? This is beyond impossible. Now the issue is I have repeated read all the info on my cheque off to them, and they now tell me if I can't tell them what the routing number is within that series of numbers, they can't change anything. Well, the agent who chose numbers from my what I gave him to make up nine digits obviously has it wrong and how can I guess what s/he entered into the system? My bank is TD. I am desperately trying to reach someone in the International Division because they have been the only people who have helped in the past. It's been 16 months - 16 months of benefit payments due to me. No one has ever mentioned a debit card and I'm not interested in one, I just want my benefits.

 

[Mailat]

I have been waiting 16 months for Social Security to get my benefit payments to me. Finally all was approved on Feb 1 but since then they can't seem to get the money into my bank account. I've logged literally days on the phone speaking to SS agents in practically every state in the union trying to clear this up. They do ask for a routing number which from my research is what you use when you WIRE not direct deposit money. However, after all this time, the last person I spoke to said they use the routing number to set up the account. That is very, very strange. If you Google for this information the SSA has a form specifically for direct deposit payments to Canada. On it they assign an RTN of 51 for a Canadian currency checking account. Then your Branch, Transit and checking account number. That's it. No where is a routing number mentioned. So their forms are wrong? Or is the agent on the phone wrong? This is beyond impossible. Now the issue is I have repeated read all the info on my cheque off to them, and they now tell me if I can't tell them what the routing number is within that series of numbers, they can't change anything. Well, the agent who chose numbers from my what I gave him to make up nine digits obviously has it wrong and how can I guess what s/he entered into the system? My bank is TD. I am desperately trying to reach someone in the International Division because they have been the only people who have helped in the past. It's been 16 months - 16 months of benefit payments due to me. No one has ever mentioned a debit card and I'm not interested in one, I just want my benefits.

I went through very much the very same "nonsense" (and I'm being EXTREMELY polite using that term when there are much more appropriate expressions that describe the living Hell... but never mind) that you're describing. Firstly, you should be aware of the fact that there are many documented incidents (you can find them all over on the Internet these days) where it's been proven that well over 50% of the time, Social Security "support" people give incorrect information and/or simply don't want to be bothered with you so they'll simply tell you anything. Fact here, not conjecture. Secondly, if you give them too much trouble, they "flag" your account so others will dodge you in future. I spent MONTHS being kind and patient until one of their pathetic little clowns took it upon himself to simply not bother with my direct deposit troubles and simply sent me one of their "DirectExpress" pre-paid cards! BANG! Yes, all of my MONTHS of payments were on the card but I NEVER authorised anybody to send me the card. When I telephoned to complain? It was incredibly one of the most disgusting and insulting experiences of a life-time! "Rude" isn't even close to describing the experience. Bottom line: They actually did me a kindness. The results aren't the easiest on earth but I'm FINALLY getting my money AND getting it to my account where it should be. Advice? Get the card, set it up as needed. THEN, contact "OFX" (they're on-line at OFX.com). It's a bit of time of your part but I can tell you, the people at OFX are THE MOST WONDERFUL, HELPFUL and SUPPORTIVE people on Earth! (You'll have to pay $1.50US to get your money off the card, and NO, you won't have an account number associated with it. The card is issued through "Comerica Bank". I've contacted them as well and have been told that they have nothing to do with the funds and that Social Security has damaged their brand and name because of the horrors they inflict on "pensioners". BUT, in the long-run, using OFX is quick, safe, marvelous, compassionate and they've got LIVE support 24/7!) After waiting and waiting and being lied to, insulted, verbally abused and put through the fires of Hell for month after month after month, all I do now is go on-line, check the card balance on the day my payment is due, transfer the money out to the clearing bank for OFX, log into my OFX account and have them send the money to my account in Canada. It takes a few more days but it's a relief to see that MY money, for which I worked most of my life for, is in MY account where I want it. If you have any hesitations or questions, get in touch with OFX. They're absolutely wonderful!

 

[Dara99]

Wow thanks for confirming the insanity I've been going through with the SSA. It turely bogles the mind how so many service agents can be so ill informed and some so miserable. I found it helped when my reaction was calm and patient. There are some that respond to reasoned persistence, asking them to please help because the situation has spiralled out of control. I always ask their name and where they are too. Yesterday the woman I had eventually read out to me the messages on my file - or I have to assume she was honest about that - telling me who took over my file (a woman I knew from the past who did help me) and that it should all be resolved by the end of the month. I am pinning my hopes on this because it's gone beyond crazy. I have never head of the card you mention and it sounds like a bit of a run-around to get your monthly benefit. As a matter of principle I don't think we should have to pay anything to collect our pension money. I'm glad it is a solution for you however and I will keep this info in mind in case I have to use it too, so thank you for sharing that info, much appreciated.

 

[Benni]

It's been over 3 years since I started this thread. I'm just now seriously considering getting a US account through my BMO bank. I'm so afraid something similar is going to mess up my transferring my SS pay to the US account. You guys have me feeling nervous again. Maybe I should contact SS by phone to see what they say.

 

[Icaerus]

I have a question somewhat related to this. My fiance recieves VA disability compensation. It says he keeps this when he comes here, does he have to visit a Doctor or VA on the USA side occationally? Or does he just retain these without all the travel? We can 't seem to get a straight answer, and it's a big chunk of money that we don't want him to lose as he is very entitled to it.

 

[Mailat]

Recent discovery on the matter of transferring Social Security benefits, and my previously-mentioned "DirectExpress" card that the U.S. Social Security Admin. (and other U.S. Fed offices) insist upon, I've recently come across another horror. I wish I could attach the image that was posted but it supports my cause for concern for all who might have the card. I've been doing research into this "DirectExpress" card and the results aren't assuring. The latest find is a copy of a statement and related theft of benefits. (As I say, I can't figure how to include the image of the statement. If anybody knows how to do this, feel free to let me know.) That said, I'll just include some details:
The card was "hacked", for lack of a better term, and money was sent to a banque(bank) in the former Soviet Union (several 100 dollars), international purchases were made for "X Box" and "Netflix", and the charges to the account wiped almost everything out. Most of the charges on the card occurred on one day, with-in mere seconds, as I see on the image of the statement.
What followed was even worse, in my opinion. I'm to understand, from the pensioner, that the charges were disputed with-in the proper time, but it took almost a month before some, not all, charges were reversed. Of those that were returned to the card holder, "DirectExpress" claimed that the refunds were "provisional" and could be reversed (taken back) at their discretion! The statement copy shows that, not only is "DirectExpress" posting credits and debits against the card, at all sorts of intervals, but they're also posting debits as "adjustments", in amounts that have nothing to do with any purchases or previous transactions on the card. (For example: One purchase by the hacker was for 24.95$, "International Transaction Fee" of 74 cents. The 24.95$ was refunded, the 74 cents was not, but some "Debit Adjustment" now appears on the card in the amount of 23.95$. There are more of these examples on the statement.) If you search on/for "DirectExpress" complaints on the Internet, it's almost mind-boggling, and none-the-less horrific what's happening to people who have the card.

Because it's my only reasonable method at present to receive my pension (since Social Security, for some still-unexplained reason, refuses to direct deposit my funds into my Canadian account) I know that my funds are available at about 1.00am on a particular date and I'm awake and ready to transfer the balance out. (As I've said in my previous post, I use "OFX" services and I still can't say one negative thing about them.) You see, "DirectExpress" doesn't provide for "Bill Pay" or any recurring payment options. But, from the multitudinous posts on so many forums on-line and this recent discovery of manipulation, it appears increasingly suspicious.

I just thought I'd post this information as a follow-up and warning for those of us who are all trying to retrieve the money we actually worked our life-times for. It never ceases to amaze how much trouble we have to endure, simply to receive what we worked for and were promised.

Good luck all. Keep up the "good battle". (We might not win, but as we get older, at least we know the time ahead grows shorter.)

 

[canamconnect]

Would the easiest idea not be to keep an American account at an American bank, allow your SS deposits to go in there and up here have a US funds bank account at a Canadian bank - just write yourself a cheques drawn on your American bank account and deposit it to your Canadian US funds account? Then transfer the funds online or at a teller to your Canadian bank account?

i.e. My Hubby gets small royalty cheques every month. Has lived in Canada a decade. The physical cheques come to our mail and we have a chequing account at ATB (also another at BMO) and under that one account fee we also have a US funds account (no extra charge). We deposit the cheques into the US funds account and then go online and transfer to our cheques account. It auto converts from US dollars to Canadian while it does it!

 

[Mailat]

Canamconnect: I'd considered that option but couldn't get the deal, account and the long-term reputation that I've already established at my own banque. The principal of my issue is that I know of many other people who have their SS sent all over the world. I don't understand why mine can't be sent to Canada and no matter how often and who I ask, I never get an answer to that question. To be ever so quite honest, yes, I am a US-born citizen, 2nd generation of quite and very legal immigrants, but from a rather young age, I learnt not to be terribly trusting of the nation. There were all too many "discrepancies" in my early education concerning international politics, verified by relatives. And as the years have passed, my trust in the nation, especially bureaucracy, has dwindled, due to experiences.

These days, as I get older with each tick of the olde clocke (as it were), I merely expect these incidents. I don't approve of them, nor do I condone, but I simply remember that each second ticked by is one less second I'll need to tolerate the incompetence, pretense and arrogance. (And when I go to my banque branch and am greeted as a human being, with smiles all round, that's what I focus on.)

It might cost me a bit in time, energy and a bit of money to handle this as I do (in fact, I make sure to be awake at the moment my SS is posted to the card and with-in mere moments, it's transferred off and sent along to my banque), but the comfort I derive in knowing that it's money I worked for and earned, and it's certainly not being circulated in the country that's trying so diligently to steal it away.

(PS: Congrats to your Hubby!!! "Royalties". Goodness!)

 

[canamconnect]

Canamconnect: I'd considered that option but couldn't get the deal, account and the long-term reputation that I've already established at my own banque. The principal of my issue is that I know of many other people who have their SS sent all over the world. I don't understand why mine can't be sent to Canada and no matter how often and who I ask, I never get an answer to that question. To be ever so quite honest, yes, I am a US-born citizen, 2nd generation of quite and very legal immigrants, but from a rather young age, I learnt not to be terribly trusting of the nation. There were all too many "discrepancies" in my early education concerning international politics, verified by relatives. And as the years have passed, my trust in the nation, especially bureaucracy, has dwindled, due to experiences.

These days, as I get older with each tick of the olde clocke (as it were), I merely expect these incidents. I don't approve of them, nor do I condone, but I simply remember that each second ticked by is one less second I'll need to tolerate the incompetence, pretense and arrogance. (And when I go to my banque branch and am greeted as a human being, with smiles all round, that's what I focus on.)

It might cost me a bit in time, energy and a bit of money to handle this as I do (in fact, I make sure to be awake at the moment my SS is posted to the card and with-in mere moments, it's transferred off and sent along to my banque), but the comfort I derive in knowing that it's money I worked for and earned, and it's certainly not being circulated in the country that's trying so diligently to steal it away.

(PS: Congrats to your Hubby!!! "Royalties". Goodness!)

No worries, just some suggestions. Oh and Royalties...yup a tiny stake in an oil well. He gets about 100-150 US a month (depending on price of oil, some times it is 2 months between cheques. They only cut a cheques if you reach 100 for the month) but every little bit helps!

 

[Benni]

Would the easiest idea not be to keep an American account at an American bank, allow your SS deposits to go in there and up here have a US funds bank account at a Canadian bank - just write yourself a cheques drawn on your American bank account and deposit it to your Canadian US funds account? Then transfer the funds online or at a teller to your Canadian bank account?

That's what I've been doing but the US bank I use has started charging fees for not using other bank features (debit card, etc.). SS direct deposits to it and I write one check a month. That's the only activity in my account.

I've tried calling SS, at several different numbers, leaving messages, and have never got a return call. I wrote them a letter, explaining what I needed done, and it's been 3 months with no reply.

I have my own SS account page and it says you can change it on there, online, but with what everyone's saying here, I'm afraid to try! What if it doesn't work and my checks get "frozen" til it's resolved?