Does your SSN ever change when you get married?

No, your Social Security Number (SSN) itself does not change when you get married; it's a lifetime identifier, but you must update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to get a new card with your new married name for correct tax reporting and other official documents. You'll apply for a new card using Form SS-5, providing proof of identity and your marriage certificate, which keeps your SSN the same but reflects your new legal name.

Will my SSN change when I get married?

No, you do not get a new Social Security Number (SSN) when you get married; your number stays the same for life, but you must apply for a new Social Security card with your new legal name to keep your records updated for employment and benefits. You'll need your marriage certificate and identification to apply for the corrected card, which will show your new name but retain your original SSN. 

What happens if I don't tell Social Security I got married?

If you don't report your marriage to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you risk overpayments that you'll have to pay back, benefit reductions or suspensions, penalties, and potential sanctions, as your marital status affects benefit amounts for programs like SSI, SSDI, and spousal/survivor benefits. The SSA can discover the marriage through data matching, leading to retroactive adjustments, and knowingly failing to report can result in serious penalties, including longer benefit stoppages. 

How much is it to change your Social Security number after marriage?

US Social Security Card

Update your name on your Social Security card through the Social Security Administration . There's no fee. If you have more questions, contact your local Social Security office .

Do they change your Social Security number when you change your last name?

If your request is for a change of name on the card (that is, verified legal changes to the first name or surname, or both), we may issue you a replacement Social Security number card bearing the same number and the new name.

Does Your Social Security Number Change When You Get Married? - SecurityFirstCorp.com

How does marriage affect my Social Security?

Marriage primarily impacts Social Security by enabling spousal/survivor benefits, allowing a spouse to get up to 50% of the other's benefit or 100% if widowed, but it doesn't change your own earned benefit; however, it can affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by counting both spouses' incomes and assets, potentially reducing benefits. Couples should coordinate claiming strategies to maximize household income, choosing the higher of their own or spousal benefit, or survivor benefit when applicable. 

Does your SSN have to match your name?

The name on your Proof of Social Security Number must match your identity document or name change document. For example, the name on your SSN card must match the name on your marriage certifcate.

How long does it take to update SSN after marriage?

Once you complete your application (online or in person), we'll mail an updated card to you, usually within 14 business days. There is no charge. Be sure to let your employer know about your name change so they can update their payroll records, and we can accurately keep track of your earnings.

How to update SSN name after marriage?

Update Your Social Security Card – Fill out Form SS-5, bring your marriage certificate and ID to the Social Security Administration (SSA), and get your updated card.

What happens if I don't change my name with Social Security?

If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may: • Delay your tax refund. Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.

What is the first thing to change when you get married?

After marriage, the first thing to change is your Social Security card, as this new card is required to update your driver's license, passport, and bank accounts in a specific, sequential order. You'll need your marriage certificate to start the process, making the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and passport office your first few stops for legal identification, followed by financial and other personal accounts. 

What benefits will I lose if I get married?

If you get married, you might lose or see a reduction in needs-based government benefits like SSI, Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), or subsidized housing because eligibility often depends on combined household income and resources, potentially exceeding limits. Specific Social Security benefits, such as those as a disabled adult child (DAC) or a surviving spouse (under 60/50), may end, though regular SSDI on your own record usually isn't directly affected unless it's tied to a parent's record. 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What happens if you get married but don't change your name?

Legal & Administrative Hurdles

Keeping your maiden name means you'll need to prove your marital status more often. For instance, if you're traveling with your spouse and your last names don't match, you might need to carry a marriage certificate to avoid issues.

What happens if you don't report your marriage to Social Security?

If you don't report your marriage to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you risk overpayments that you'll have to pay back, benefit reductions or suspensions, penalties, and potential sanctions, as your marital status affects benefit amounts for programs like SSI, SSDI, and spousal/survivor benefits. The SSA can discover the marriage through data matching, leading to retroactive adjustments, and knowingly failing to report can result in serious penalties, including longer benefit stoppages. 

Why does Social Security say to wait 30 days after marriage to change name?

They should wait at least 30 days after the date of the marriage to request a replacement card with a name change. This allows the state time to update its records. They will need to have their marriage certificate and proof of identification available when using our online application.

How long do I have to tell Social Security I got married?

You must report your marriage to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by the 10th day of the month after it happened to avoid penalties, especially if you receive benefits like SSI, Survivor, or Spousal benefits, as marriage can affect them; for name changes, wait at least 30 days after the wedding for state records to update before applying for a new card, but report the marriage status change promptly for benefit purposes. 

Do I need to update my SSN when I get married?

Yes, if you legally change your name after getting married, you need to update your Social Security record and get a corrected card with your new name; it's a free replacement and you apply by submitting an application (Form SS-5) with your marriage certificate and proof of identity to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. You should wait about 30 days after the wedding for the state to update records before applying. 

Is there a deadline for name change after marriage?

No, there's no hard deadline to change your name after marriage. You don't have to immediately update your social security card or driver's license after your wedding. You'll never be barred from changing your name for waiting too long.

What is the 9 month marriage rule for Social Security?

The "Social Security 9-month marriage rule" primarily applies to survivor benefits, requiring a marriage of at least 9 months before the worker's death for a surviving spouse to qualify, intended to prevent sham marriages. However, exceptions exist, such as if the death was accidental, occurred in the line of duty for a service member, or if the couple had a prior 9-month marriage that ended. For standard spousal retirement benefits, the rule is typically a 1-year marriage, but exceptions for caring for a child or prior benefit entitlement also apply.
 

Do I need to update Social Security after a name change?

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell us. This way you can get a replacement Social Security number (SSN) card with your correct legal name. Visit Defining the Legal Name for an SSN for more information.

How do I change my name on my Social Security card due to marriage?

To change your name on your Social Security card after marriage, you must submit an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), your original marriage certificate (proof of name change), proof of your identity (like a driver's license), and possibly proof of U.S. citizenship, either in person at a local Social Security office or by mail; the new card is free and arrives in about 10-14 days. 

Does the name on your passport have to match your Social Security card?

Yes, ideally your name on your passport should match your Social Security card, as both should reflect your full legal name to avoid issues, especially for international travel where the name on your ticket must match your passport; if they differ, bring proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order) and book flights in your passport's name, but for the SSA, your SSN is key, and a new card follows legal name changes, so update the SSA first if you changed your name legally. 

What if my name is not matching with Social Security?

What should I do if my name and Social Security number do not match Internal Revenue Service records? Contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. An official website of the Social Security Administration.

How does Social Security know if I am married?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) primarily knows you're married because you report it to them, providing a marriage certificate or public record, but they also verify by checking for name changes, joint tax returns, or through investigations for benefits like SSI, using evidence like joint bills, shared mail, and how you introduce each other. Reporting changes in your marital status (like getting married or divorced) is crucial to avoid overpayments and sanctions, typically within 10 days of the month after it happens.