Getting Married Soon? Give Social Security Your New Name
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Every year, June marks the beginning of two busy seasons: summer and “wedding season.” With joyful expectation, many of us have already marked our calendars and started wrapping up our plans for the vacations, ceremonies, and honeymoons. While the betrothed work out the details, Social Security wants to remind them about one detail that’s extremely important: the “record” Social Security keeps of your life’s earnings.
For many people, a wedding often means a name change is in order. If you are legally changing your name, you need to apply for a replacement Social Security card reflecting your new name. If you’re working, also tell your employer. That way, Social Security can keep track of your earnings history as you go about living your wonderful new life.
If you have reported income under your former or maiden name, and didn’t inform us of a change, we might not have received an accurate W-2 and your earnings may have been recorded incorrectly. This is easier to fix now — when you first change your name — than years from now when you retire, when it may cause delays in receiving your benefits. This is important because we base your future benefits on your earnings record. So, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), to find out what specific documents you need to change your name and to apply for a replacement card.
Last year, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry regardless of where they live within the United States. As a result, Social Security recognizes more same-sex couples as married for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security benefits or eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. We recently updated instructions for employees to process claims and appeals when a determination of marital status is necessary.
With these changing rules, we encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for benefits to apply now. You can learn more about our policies for same-sex couples at www.ssa.gov/people/same-sexcouples.
After the honeymoon, you can focus on your career or starting a family, moving to a new home, and securing a well-deserved retirement. Now, you’re all set. Let the celebrations begin!
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Tags: social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSA, SSI
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Rosie S.
How will getting married after 62 change the Social Security benefits that we both will receive?
Gerald S.
I am retired, soon I will be getting married.
I know my new spouse will need to update her name for her social security.
Do I need to make a change to mine? I am currently drawing money for social security.
Just want to do what is correct.
A.C.
Hi, Gerald. When you marry, you are free to keep your own name or take your spouse’s name. There is no time limit or requirement for a name change after marriage. Changing your name is a personal decision. However, if you do decide to change your name on your Social Security record, you must complete an application for a corrected Social Security card and show us a document that proves your legal name change. See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information. Thanks.
como a.
Descanse as mãos nas pernas inferior dos joelhos. https://comoacabarcommauhalito.com.br
Trisha S.
Changed my name. To Snider
V.V.
Hi Trisha, thanks for your question. If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you must tell Social Security so you can get a corrected card. Once you have a corrected card, your correct name should appear on your Social Security records. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for the steps required to change your name on your card.
CARL B.
My name is Carl B. Sheppard 1/13/40. I had been retired and receiving my SS benefits monthly. I was divorced in 2004. Then I just got married last June 23, 2018. How do I change the name of my new beneficiary (my current wife’s name)? I need to remove my previous wife’s name whom I got divorced in 2004.
please help me. thanks.
R.F.
Hello Carl. Generally, individuals must be married for one year before they can get spouse’s benefits. The amount of benefits your divorced spouse gets has no effect on your benefit or the amount of benefits your current wife may receive. Thanks!
Colleen R.
Do I need an appointment or just come down take a number
Denise G.
I am having a problem in finding the form to use to change my name back after a divorce. What do I need to do before coming to the SSN office?
R.F.
Hell Denise. For complete information on how to change or correct your name on your Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. Thanks!
Lisa S.
How do I have former names removed from my record? I have been married to my husband for 15 years, the former married names continue to be on my personal records. This is important to me because one of the former names was my abuser and my husband and I receive phone calls looking for him. I received one today. I desperately need this done. Not only are my former names on my records, they show up on my husband and mothers records. Please help me
R.F.
Hello Lisa. For complete instructions on how to change or correct your name on your Social Security number card, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. Thanks!
ramona
how can i change my name due to divorce
R.F.
Our Frequently Asked Questions web page on “How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?” provides full information on this topic. Thanks!
Fernando L.
I just