Social Security & Weddings: What Paperwork Do Newlyweds Need To Complete?
Weddings are a time of celebration, but it also means lots of paperwork. According to the Social Security Administration, newlyweds mustn’t forget that your Social Security number and your name must match in the record Social Security keeps of your lifetime earnings.
See: 20 Best Places To Live on Only a Social Security Check
Find: 10 Reasons You Should Claim Social Security Early
If you’re legally changing your name after saying “I do,” you’ll need to apply for a replacement Social Security card with your new name. You’ll also need to update your employee information so that your employer reports earnings and withholds taxes under the correct name.
The SSA uses your earnings record to calculate your Social Security payments. An incorrect record can potentially mean lower monthly payments and delayed benefits.
Before you think of leaving it for a later date, know there’s a statute of limitations on correcting your record. An earnings record can be corrected for up to three years, three months and 15 days from the end of the taxable year in which your wages were paid, AARP reports.
POLL: Have You Skipped Any of These Essential Expenses Due to Rising Prices?
To change your name on your card, you’ll need to provide documents proving your legal name change and identity. Â
You’ll be required to provide a marriage document as well as a U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver’s identification card or a U.S. passport.
If you have questions about what documents you need to change your name and apply for a replacement card, visit the SSA’s Social Security Number and Card page, located here, or call 800-772-1213 (or 800-325-0778 if you’re deaf or hard of hearing).
More From GOBankingRates
- 7 Florida Cities That Could Be Headed For a Housing Crisis
- Do You Have a Tax Question? Ask a Tax Pro
- Safeguard Your Retirement From Economic Turbulence
- Here's How To Build a 6-Month Emergency Fund
