YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

By David Brown

Social Security would like to send congratulations to all June newlyweds across the nation. We also want to remind brides (and brides-tobe) that if you intend to change your name - including using a hyphenated name - it is important for you to notify us about your name change and to get a replacement Social Security card. The new card will have the same number as your previous card, but will show your new name. If you are working, you will also need to tell your employer about your name change so that your wages are posted correctly to your Social Security record. If you forget to do so, it may cause errors in your earnings record history, which could lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.

Social Security makes the name-change process as quick and simple as possible. You will first need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), which is available from any Social Security office or can be downloaded from our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov .

We also will need to see proof of your identity. You must show us a recently issued marriage document as proof of your legal name change. (If you are changing your name for another reason, such as a divorce, we must see a divorce decree specifically stating you may change your name or a court order for a name change.)

If the documents you provide for a legal name change do not give enough information to identify you, then you also must show two identity documents, including one in your old name and a second with your new legal name. In addition to your name, these documents must contain identifying information (date of birth or age) or a recent photograph. Also, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Once you have the required identity documents, just take them along with the completed Form SS-5 to your local Social Security office.

If you need more information about changing your name with Social Security, whether it is due to a marriage, divorce or any other reason, you can visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ and read the fact sheet, New Rules For Getting A Social Security Number And Card. Or you can call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a copy of the fact sheet be mailed to you.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.