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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Gaylen J.
What does it cost to change my last name? We just got married.
A.C.
Hi, Gaylen. You can replace your Social Security for free. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records), and another identity document with your new name. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity. Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
We offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or nearest Card Center in your area. We hope this helps!
Daphne A.
Need form for name change/ Can you email me one?
L.A.
Hi Daphne. If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other legal reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may delay your tax refund and prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits. Use this link to determine which documents you may need. We hope this helps!
Daphne A.
I need a name change form. Can you email me one so that I can fill it out?
Martin G.
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
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CARLA R.
It has been 3 weeks and my new card is still not here
A.C.
Hi, Carla. Thanks for your comment. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. To follow up on your application for a Social Security replacement card, you may have to return to the office where you filed your application. On your receipt there should be a local Social Security office phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your card. We hope this helps.
Bonnie S.
I would like to make an apt. for as soon as possible at my local SSA office near 92506.
joann c.
What is the mailing address to send the information to change my name due to marriage and what do I need to send?
Harrison B.
My wife and myself are wondering what all documents are needed to change her last name.because the information online is confusing if u please let me know. Thank you
Gabriela
Can a man tale tus wifes last name?
JUDY F.
I have received a new SSA card with my new name but not my Medicare card. My new name is Judy Beryl Fletcher. I thought I would get a new Medicare card in the mail but it has been months and I haven’t received it yet. What else do I need to do?