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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Angelica R.
Can I do a name changed due to me getting married online or do I have to visit my local social security office
Ray F.
Thanks for your questions and congratulations on your marriage, Angelica!
You cannot apply for a replacement Social Security card online, when changing your name.
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!
We hope this helps!
Michelle d.
What is the rules for two people planning getting married with disability checks
Ray F.
Good question Michelle. For the person receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, marriage does not affect his or her benefit. These benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For the person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), getting married may affect his or her benefit. This is because the amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to him or her and the spouse.
See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information. Thanks!
Fernando C.
Great Post
Thanks for Sharing
curso brigadeiro
ben
hi im 25 been disable since i was young getting ssdi and now i get ssr and my girlfreind gets ssi or ssdi shes disabled to what would happen to are income if we get married
Ray F.
Good question Ben. For the person receiving Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, marriage does not affect his or her benefit. These benefits are based on earnings and are not subject to income and resource limits. For the person receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), getting married may affect his or her benefit. This is because the amount of the SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income available to him or her and the spouse. See “If I get married, will it affect my benefits” for more information.
Bdean
How long after filing for a name change at the Social Security offices does it take to reflect in their system? I’ve been married and changed my name and need to know because I am also in the process of going back to school and my information does not match theirs.
Ray F.
Generally, it takes 2 to 3 business days after we process your application, for your Social Security record to be updated. You should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. To verify, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thank you.
Laura
I was recently married and went into a SS office to change my name. They were only able to change my last name (I wanted to take my mother’s maiden name as my middle name but it was not allowed without a court order). They changed my last name, but I now have to go through the court process to change my middle name.
I have not changed any other documents (DMV, Passport, etc). Does changing my name on my SS card make that my new legal name? Or is it not my legal name until I change my Drivers license as well? Trying to determine which component validates my identity
Ray F.
Hi Laura. In general, a US born person’s legal name is the name shown on his or her U.S. birth certificate unless the person’s name is changed based on certain events, such as a marriage or a valid court order for a name change. You can show whichever name you would like on your social security card, as long as you have evidence of your legal name change. Thanks!
Sarah
If one person is on SSI and the other one is working and they want to get married will the person on SSI still receive benefits?
Ray F.
Thank you for your question Sarah. If someone is receiving disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program, getting married may affect their benefits. This is because the amount of SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income and resources available to the individual receiving SSI benefits and the income and resources of his or her spouse.
Rachel G.
Hi, I recently got married. Am I able to apply for a name change through the mail or do I have to go to a social security office? And if I can apply via the mail, what documents do I need to send? It looks like you can apply through the mail on your website but also says you can’t send copies or notarized copies, so I am confused. Thanks!
Rachel G.
Notified copies of your passport or drivers license I meant. I do have an original copy of my marriage certificate. Thanks!
Ray F.
Thanks for your questions and congratulations on your recent marriage, Rachel! All documents you submit must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any documents you provide will be returned to you. We offer the option to mail your completed application with the (original or certified) documents to your local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area. 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 document showing your “new” name. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Rachel G.
Thanks for getting back to me! In addition to submitting my completed application and marriage certificate, do I need to mail a document that proves my identity, such as my passport or my birth certificate?
Ray F.
Hi Rachel! In most cases, the (original or certified) copy of your marriage certificate may be enough to process your request. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further guidance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Mike
As a wedding photographer I think it’s great that your organization is being proactive about educating people for how they can easily change their name. I’m especially heartened that same-sex couples are also finally allowed to get married now. Choco Studio
Lester R.
if im on ssd i get married will my wife receive benefits under me ? and if she has children
that are not mine under 18 years old will they beable to receive benefits too
Ray F.
Thank you for your question Lester. When you receive disability benefits, certain members of your family also may qualify for benefits on your record. To learn more, visit our Disability Planner: Family Benefits. If you need further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly.