Barry G Says:
How do I get my monthly SSDI and VA payments if I’m in Panama? And I get all my healthcare and medication from the VA. How do I deal with that?
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says:
Hi Barry,
You’ll be happy to hear there are many veterans living in Panama who receive their payments without trouble. The U.S. Embassy here confirms that, “Veterans Affairs beneficiaries residing in Panama are eligible to enroll in the International Direct Deposit Program” to receive payments via electronic transfer. There is even a local hospital in Panama that will accept VA-FMP, TRICARE or CHAMPVA.
Applying for the International Direct Deposit Program should just involve filling out a form and attending an appointment with the Federal Benefits Unit. You can see the process in detail on the U.S. Embassy’s website here.
For detailed information on veteran-related matters in Panama, visit the Panama Veteran’s Commission website here, and contact Panama-based Healthcare Alliance via email at info@healthalliance.com.pa.
Bear in mind that you may have to spend some additional money to get your medication couriered into Panama. If you plan to move to the Boquete region of Panama, reach out to the Healthcare Alliance person there via email at vso.pvc.boquete@gmail.com. (It’s a long email address, so double-check the spelling to ensure it’s letter-perfect before hitting send.)