Dear Editor:
Last year there were more than 2.2 million marriages in the United States – and, not surprisingly, June continues as the most popular month for exchanging vows. If you are among this month’s or this year’s brides, you also may be exchanging your maiden name for a married name. And that would include women who plan to use hyphenated surnames, such as Smith-Jones.
So if you’re working and you choose to change your name, it’s very important to tell Social Security right away. Letting us know about your name change will help us record your earnings properly. If you don’t, your earnings under your new name may not be credited to your record and you many have a problem when you apply for retirement, disability or survivors benefits. Also, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records don’t show the same name and Social Security records don’t show the same name and Social Security number, your tax refund could be delayed.
You should also know that your employer cannot update your Social Security record to show your name change. Only you can do that.
Even if you don’t plan to work outside the home, you still should report any name change to Social Security. When you report a new name, your Social Security record will show your married name, making it easier if you apply for benefits on your husband’s earnings record.
Of course, today many women continue to use their maiden name after marriage. If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you don’t need to contact us. But if you decide to change your name at a later time, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record.
The name change process is simple and free. You’ll need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card, and show us originals or certified copies of either your marriage certificate showing your old and new names or two documents – one with your former name and one with your married name.
To get a copy of an Application for a Social Security Card, visit www.ssa.gov, our Internet website; call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office.
Remember: the process is simple and free. But there are some companies that may contact you and try to charge you for a service that shouldn’t cost you anything. So don’t pay someone else to get you a Social Security card with your new name.
Yvonne Bryant
Social Security Manager in Jersey City, NJ