Weddings are in season at this time of year. If you are planning to have one, or know someone who is, make sure you put “Social Security” on the to-do list – because we may need to send you a card. A new Social Security card, that is.
If you plan to exchange your maiden name for a married name – including hyphenated names such as Smith-Jones – be sure you let us know.
Telling us about your name change shortly after your marriage will help us accurately keep track of your earnings and will ensure that you and your family get the Social Security retirement, disability or survivors benefits you’re entitled to.
In addition, if the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security records do not show the same name and Social Security number, your federal income tax refund could be delayed.
If you continue to use your maiden name consistently throughout your working years, you do not need to contact us. However, if you decide to change your name later, you should let us know so that we can update your Social Security record and send you a Social Security card with your new name.
There is no need to pay a third party to mail in the information for you. Changing your name with Social Security is a quick, easy and free service. You’re welcome to visit your local Social Security office, or just go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber and click on “Print an Application Form SS-5.”
You also can call us at 800-772-1213 to obtain the form.
We will need the completed application along with either your marriage certificate showing your old and new names, or two documents – one showing each name.
If you were born outside the United States, you also need proof of your U.S. citizenship or proof that you are lawfully living in the U.S. You can bring or mail these documents to us.
So remember: if you are getting married and changing your name, let us know. You may already have a slew of cards congratulating you, but we’d like to send you a new card of our own.
Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
Safeguarding your information
At home, you can lock your doors. When it comes to your car, you can activate the alarm system.
But what can you do to protect your identity?
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Someone illegally using your Social Security number and assuming your identity can be more trouble than a car thief or house burglar.
Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit score to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards and do not pay the bills.
You may not find out that someone is using your number until you are turned down for credit or you begin to get calls from creditors demanding payment for items you never bought.
What better time than National Safety Month to educate yourself in protecting your personal information? Here are some quick tips:
Keep your Social Security card at home in a safe place, wherever you keep your important paperwork;
Safeguard your number as well – don’t give it to just anyone; many places you do business with may ask for it as a means of identification even though they can use other identifying information; and
Shred before you toss – identity thieves can rummage through your trash or recycling material and find a goldmine of information, so be sure to destroy any identifying information before you throw it out.
Read our online fact sheet about identity theft at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html.
While we are talking about safety, here’s another great tip: if you receive a benefit from Social Security, get direct deposit. With direct deposit, your payments are electronically sent right to your account and there’s no risk of a payment being lost in the mail or stolen from your mailbox.
At Social security, signing up is quick, easy, and secure. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/deposit to learn more.
If you believe someone may be using your number or identity, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.)
Victor Mirandona is a regional manager for the Social Security Administration at the Cypress Hills office.
