$1000.00 pension requirement

it is absolute, written as that in the law.  However, it is pretty easy and cheap to buy a lifetime annuity to make up the difference.  If it is in the same name, it can be combined.

I'm researching the lifetime annuity,any help to understand the process would be appreciated.

if you mean the residency process, it's pretty easy, but not really spelled out :-)
- collect your non-Costa Rica documents: birth certificates, marriage certificate, police letter of good conduct (this is the most confusing, because it varies from state-to-state)
- get all the documents notarized/certified
- get all these authenticated (sealed) by the secretary of state (for that document)
- get all these authenticated by the CR consulate responsible for that state
- bring all these documents to Costa Rica
- visit the USA embassy to get the SS letter, stating that you currently are receiving xyz pension
- get fingerprinted in San Jose; they will send off for an Interpol report
-----
at this point, our lawyer took over - got all the documents translated (official translator only) and stamped, added a letter requesting immigration, waited for the Interpol report (took about a month), then submitted the entire package to immigration.
Note that all documents have to be less than 6 months old from the time you first get it until it is submitted to immigration.  This is plenty of time; just don't count on slowly collecting your documents.
------------
Timing for approval varies widely.  Ours was very fast; it took less than 3 months.  Others have taken years.  Somewhere in this timeframe, immigration will notify your lawyer that they have "accepted" your package.  At this time, you can legally stay in the country, as you are awaiting your residency (no need to leave and get a new visa).
---------------
Once immigration has "approved" your residency, they will notify your lawyer (usually there is about a month delay; you can be approved in September, and not find out until October).  Your approval date is the beginning of your "residency year" - this is the timeframe that you have to show compliance with the rules.  These are currently:
- stay in CR at least 4 months (cumulative)
- convert ($1000 x 12 months) to colones

When you renew, you will have to show proof that you have done this - usually via passport stamps and bank receipts or letter.  Make sure you understand what is acceptable as proof before the year is up, or you may end up having to convert a whole lotta dough at the end.
----------------
After you are approved, you will get an appointment for your cedula (this is your ID) - this can be several months later, but it always expires on your residency anniversary.

Hope this helps,
Julie

Your most helpful.I'm looking way out, will most likly be approved for ssd by the time i'm ready.

Julie you are excellent for giving up this vital info.

One quick question>  I am US citizen with SS about $1,550.00 a month and another $700 in mortgage income for the next 5 to 8 years..Count the SS only?

Also my wife of 13 months and we live in Philippines and I am a permanent resident of both USA and Phil...can my wife be included in my pension residency documents as well?  We have a 4 year old son.  I am 71 yrs. old in excellent health with residence in Arizona etc...wife if 28 a educated care giver, cosmetologist, acupuncturist and business owner back in Philippines. 

Me I am a ex banking consultant and also ESL english certified teacher.

We want out of Phil bad for the mere health reasons, education, too much pollution of air, water, food and noise.

I have researched her visa requirements etc. for CR...and know it will cost for flight without transit visa for USA but will apply for one..if denied will appeal if denied will pay the freight to fly to Europe then to CR...USA has not been kind but it is still the home of my children and grand babies.

Help if you can.

Harold

Yes, your wife and child can be included in your application. Mortgage income doesn't count. Although because of your age difference, if you were to 'pass on', before you have gained permanent Residency, you wife and child wouldn't be guaranteed residency. So, she may have to apply as a Rentista which means she would be required to deposit $60K, twice. Is your son a US citizen?
Suggest you read Costa Rica Law
When you enter you as an American will be given a 90 tourist visa, but your wife will only receive a 30 day visa as will your son, if his not a US citizen. Obtaining residency will take approx 18 months and you will be required to leave CR, possibly 2,3 or more times to renew your visa. Then, once you have the paperwork stating that your application is 'has been accepted' this is no longer necessary...but, to keep a current drivers license, you must continue to leave CR until you have your residency cedula. This is becoming harder to do, although it is easier to do by traveling into Nicaragua rather than Panama.