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 SSA of a change, they 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 they base your future benefits on your earnings record. So, visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber, or call them 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. They recently updated instructions for employees to process claims and appeals when a determination of marital status is necessary.
With these changing rules, SSA encourages anyone who believes they may be eligible for benefits to apply now. You can learn more about their 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!
If you need any help navigating the Social Security website or need help in getting things in order, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Northeast Financial Strategies Inc at 1-800-560-4637. Also, if you would like a complimentary Life Guide “Marriage and Money”, please click here to request one from our office.
Posted on June 2, 2016 on SocialSecurity.Gov by Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
