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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Sau V.
I got married on June 5 2020. I need to change my last name
Sau V.
I want to change my last name. I was married on the 5th of June 2020.
Vonda V.
Congratulations on your marriage! Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Hochzeit
Hochzeit -> https://www.hochzeit.info
Joy M.
I got married, but did NOT change my name. Do I need to inform SSA? If yes, how do I do it?
Vonda V.
Hi Joy, thanks for using our blog. If your name is correct on your Social Security card, and your name was not legally changed, there is no action that is needed with Social Security. If you need to change or correct your name on your Social Security card, check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details. We hope this helps.
Pauline M.
Where do I mail my change of name application.
Vonda V.
Hi Pauline, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to change your name and required documentation. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. Keep in mind that all submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. We hope this helps.
Elizabeth B.
I got married on June 1st and I’m not sure how to get a new social security card I have the form does don’t know where to mail it I need to change the card from Cardenas to Blair my mailing address is 1200 Griffith way Lot 10 Douglas Wyoming 82633 full name is Elizabeth May
Vonda V.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for using our blog. Congratulations on your marriage! Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Joan
Are SSI benefits differ from state to state?\
Vonda V.
Thanks for using our blog, Joan. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a Federal needs-based program designed to help aged, blind and disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. In some cases, your state may help pay for Medicare premiums. You may also qualify for Extra Help to pay for your Medicare prescription drug coverage. To see if you qualify for SSI benefits, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
CC
Hello,
I have been married for 26 years. I retained my maiden name with social security and on my driver license and passport. I file taxes under hyphenated name combining both names . The IRS matches my SS# to my maiden name which is first in the combined name.
I do NOT wish to change my name with SS , I do not want a new card.
I am going to create a online SS account and I want to be sure they know I am married. Is there anything special I have to do when I set up my account ?
I do not work, and someday I will apply for benefits on my husbands record because I’m not eligible on mine.
Thank you
Jon S.
Jonathan William Stocker born May 20,1993
Belinda Louise Cochran born June 15,1982
Just got married on June 8,2020
Belinda need to change her information and her last name to Stocker.
Jonathan William Stoker has payee Michelle Schwartz
Vonda V.
Hi Jon and Belinda, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to change your name. If you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address.
If receiving benefits, you also need to report your marriage. To report your marriage information, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.
kaj
Yes, Let the celebrations begin, see my celebration for marring and open new branch of my company on Kajsabt