General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card, SSI

Getting Married Soon? Give Social Security Your New Name

June 2, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 19, 2021

Wedding-SeasonEvery 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Noella. A.

    I need to notify Soc. Security that I have a name change due to marriage. I also have a change of address. Having difficulty maneuvering on the site to figure out what to do. Do I need to go to the SS office and what do I need to bring with me beside marriage license? Thank you.

  2. Amanda H.

    I am trying to change my name as I have recently gotten married. How do I do this? I work overnights so it seems getting anything done takes forever!

  3. Katie B.

    Just recently got married June 30th this year and I am just now getting to changing my name. I just wondered if it cost anything or do I just mail in the application with the required documents?

  4. TIMOTHY D.

    I was married to my same sex partner August 22nd. I receive SSDI. I’m informing you of the change. My spouse is a K1 VISA immigrant from the Philippines and will be applying for a change in his Visa status and green card immediately. He is not able to work at this time.

    • Ray F.

      Congratulations, Timothy! Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot update your benefit record.
      To report your marriage information, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.

  5. Shelley. L.

    I recently had my name legally changed from Michael Lee Richmond to Shelley Lynn Tibbs-Moore to coincide with my gender identity. I am seeking to get my Social Security files updated to the new name so that I will be able to access my full available Social Security when I retire. How can I best accomplish this? I have legal documentation, and a new drivers license in this name already.

  6. Billie S.

    My names has changed. I changed it with DMV and Social Security Administration. Now, I need to change it with my Medicare Card. I am having problems finding out to do that. (Old name Billie Burress) My new legal name is Billie Stacey

    • Ray F.

      Hello Billie, you will need to contact your local Social Security office. Just in case, please bring the original documents that support your -legal- name change.
      To make an appointment or to speak with one of our agents, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will experience a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!

  7. Mike D.

    So I can’t keep my benefits if I remarry? We’re talking about separate accounts mine and hers ?
    Is there anyway?.
    So I cant marry my love under god or marry again or my Benifits will get Less. I have my own bills debt, responsibility etc. if this is still a no pls let me know my options to keep the my benifits .. I guess if I can’t marry my love due to this, we’re a veteran family just confused, home of the brave and free….
    Just disappointed ?

  8. Rachel H.

    I recently got married and I need to change my name. My maiden name is Rachel Hunter. My married name is Rachel Bruce.How do I go about change this officially?

    • Ray F.

      Hello Rachel and CONGRATULATIONS!!! Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page for complete information on how to go about changing your name on your Social Security record. When ready you can take or mail your application with your (original or certified copies) documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area. Thanks.

  9. Robert A.

    I am getting married to a Filipino national in August. Do I report her as my spouse to Social Security?

    • Ray F.

      Hello Robert. If you receive benefits from Social Security, you have a legal obligation to report changes, which could affect your eligibility for disability, retirement, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
      Individuals living outside the United States should contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. Embassy in their area. Thanks!

  10. dara p.

    Do you have to go to Social Security if you get married and DON’T change your last name?

    • Ray F.

      Thanks for your question, Dara! You can show whichever name you would like on your social security card. You should use your legal name. If you need to change your name you will have to provide evidence of your legal name change.
      To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a “corrected” card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. Thanks!

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