Social Security is a system that tracks earnings records and then applies benefits based on contribution once a person has retired or become disabled.
All working citizens and residents of the United States must have a Social Security number unless they are legally exempted. That means all legal citizens have responsibilities that pertain to updating their Social Security records if their information or status changes. We have compiled the most common reasons you may have to update your Social Security record.
Changing Your Citizenship Status
If your citizenship status changes, you are required to update it with a local Social Security office.
To update your citizenship status, you must print out the Form SS-5. As a new citizen, you must provide your naturalization certificate and most recent immigration documents. Those who are also students should bring proof of their enrollment and scholarship information.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You must notify the Social Security office of any significant changes to your records, such as citizenship status, name change, or direct deposit bank changes.
- To change your name with the Social Security office, you must provide proof of your name change.
- After updating your name with the Social Security office, you must get a new Social Security card with your new name listed.
Updating Your Name After Marriage or Divorce
A change of last name often accompanies marriage. You are required to update the Social Security Administration about it. If you do not, your W-2 forms received after your name change may be recorded wrongly. You might be contributing to the wrong earnings record, which will depreciate your retirement benefits.
To successfully change your name, you need to provide proof of your name change in the form of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or certificate of naturalization showing your new name.
Reasons to Update Your Name
If your spouse receives Social Security benefits, you may be entitled to benefits as a married couple. Research how you and your spouse can benefit from each other’s earning record.
After you get married, be sure to file your taxes under the name your Social Security record currently lists. This is essential to avoiding an audit or credit freeze. If you misinform the government, they could consider this fraud.
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Getting a New Card After Name Change
After you update your name at a local Social Security office, you can also ask them to mail you a replacement card. This can save you time in the future instead of having to come back or use the online system.
If you need an ID card with your new name for a bank account or other application, you can ask for a temporary printout that the agent can give you immediately.
If you forget to order a card when changing your name, you must fill out the SS-5 Form again and bring it to a Social Security office. For those with an established My Social Security account, you can expedite this process by ordering a replacement card online.
TIP
Reviewing your Social Security records to ensure accurate and up-to-date information will help ensure your earnings history is assigned to the correct account. It will also help you identify any potential fraudulent activity on your account.
Update Your Direct Deposit Bank Account
According to the new law passed in 2013, Social Security benefits must be received electronically. When you initially set up your Social Security benefits, you are required to provide a bank account to transfer funds into monthly. If you get a new bank account or lose access to your existing bank account, it is essential to update this information if you want to receive your payments.
Over the Phone or In Person
The fastest way is to call the Social Security office, which should be able to handle it for you if you can prove your identity. If not, you will need to go into a Social Security office with the documents to prove your identity and citizenship. At that point, they will take the Direct Deposit form and update your bank account.
Online
You can also do this remotely through an online Social Security account. Updating your direct deposit is fast and easy online, but setting up the account has its own steps. If you receive Social Security or rely on payments to survive, consider setting up this tool to protect you.
Track Social Security Number Online
Keeping track of your Social Security record may help detect and resolve problems in the future. If you have an online Social Security account, you can receive updates about your Social Security over the phone or email.
This is a great tool for people who want to stay aware of potential fraud or credit freezes. It also ensures that their Social Security data hasn’t been compromised.
You can call a Social Security office, and they can let you know your account status if you provide proof of identity. Sometimes, this can take a while if you don’t have the correct information. People often pay fraud experts to help them monitor their credit status.
The Bottom Line
It is your responsibility to ensure your Social Security records are accurate. If significant changes occur, such as a name change, you should notify the SSA immediately to update your records.
Sometimes, the SSA office may need to issue a new Social Security card because of the changes. You can request a new card simultaneously with the change request or after the fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security ensures supplemental cash flow once you retire or if you become disabled. Many people use it as a safety net if something happens to them and they cannot work.
We use Social Security numbers to track people’s earnings and work histories. That information is then used to calculate future benefit payments.
The Social Security system works as a financial safety net for people who are unable to generate income themselves. Sometimes, payments are temporary, but many times, people receive payments until they die, and in some cases, their spouses or dependants continue to receive “survivor” benefit payments.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
