According to the sharing from Song Bai Home, a Hong Kong resident who has settled in Hong Kong encountered obstacles during the process of applying for US social security retirement benefits across borders. With the continuous follow-up by social workers from Song Bai Home for nearly a year, the funds were successfully transferred to her Hong Kong bank account in December 2025, resolving the long-standing living and financial pressures she faced.
The individual, Ms. Cheng, returned to Hong Kong in February 2025 with the expectation that her US social security retirement benefits would be smoothly transferred to her bank account. However, she found that the funds were delayed. This sudden interruption left her struggling to pay rent and daily expenses, relying on the help of family and friends, and enduring significant economic and psychological pressure.
Song Bai Home pointed out that while Ms. Cheng was still residing in the US, Stephanie, the Deputy Director of the Social Services Department of Song Bai Home, assisted her in applying for overseas retirement benefits. Initially unaware, it was discovered through multiple email exchanges that the US Consulate General in Hong Kong no longer handles social security related cases for Hong Kong residents. The matters of Hong Kong residents had been transferred to the US Embassy in the Philippines.
Subsequent procedures were repeatedly delayed, with document submissions and additional requirements changing just when Ms. Cheng thought she was close to success. This caused her case to stall, leading to a lengthy waiting period that further impacted her financial situation. However, Stephanie did not give up. She continued to follow up, resubmit forms, contact relevant authorities, and update Ms. Cheng at each stage. Even after the necessary documents were sent out in August 2025, she kept tracking the results.
Finally, in December 2025, Ms. Cheng’s US retirement benefits were successfully transferred to her Hong Kong bank account. Ms. Cheng expressed, “After such a long and difficult process, I have finally received my retirement benefits in Hong Kong. I am very happy.”
Community members also pointed out that if Ms. Cheng had retained a US bank account initially, the situation might not have been as complex. Generally, as long as the Social Security Administration can deposit monthly retirement benefits into a domestic US account regularly, they will not further intervene in the flow of funds, leaving such matters to the banking system. In contrast, directly transferring funds across borders into overseas accounts involves more administrative scrutiny and identity verification procedures, often leading to more complications, delays, and repetitions. However, since Ms. Cheng had been settled in Hong Kong for a long time and had no intention of returning to the US in the short term, she ultimately had to choose the cross-border remittance application method.
Chen Wei-yi, the Executive Director of Community Services at Song Bai Home, emphasized that their social service center has long provided crucial support to residents. In addition to the senior center at Song Bai Home, their center located in Sunset Park also offers immediate services to assist residents in reading letters, replying to inquiries, and following up on issues. Over the past twenty years, the organization has been committed to meeting the diverse needs of the community and providing practical support and advocacy for residents from different backgrounds.
She added that no one should have to fight alone to receive rightful benefits, and Song Bai Home will continue to provide advocacy and support for residents in need.