Will Changing My Name Affect My Disability Claim?

Published on: January 16, 2025

For any number of reasons, people may change their names at one point or another during their lives. Changing your name is a process, and it is important to be thorough as you notify others of your name change.

If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you will want to be certain to notify them of your name change as soon as possible. This is true regardless of whether you have a pending application for benefits or whether you already receive either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Making sure to update the Social Security Administration of any name change promptly will ensure that your information remains current and that there are no delays in receiving your Social Security benefits as usual. Let’s take a closer look at why and how to do so.

Why is Notifying the Social Security Administration of a Name Change Important?

To successfully make a claim for disability benefits, an applicant needs to provide medical records that substantiate that disability. These records will include information about symptoms, treatment, and the long-term prognosis of the condition, among other things. These records are essential for a successful claim.

Sometimes, a difference between the name on a disability claim and the name included in medical records can cause a delay in processing an application. When you are disabled and need financial support, you'll want to avoid unnecessary delays in your claim. Ensuring that both the Social Security Administration and your medical providers are aware of your name change can help you to do that.

In other cases, those already receiving Social Security disability benefits should be aware that the Social Security Administration will periodically review claims to ensure that recipients continue to meet the medical criteria for eligibility. In some cases, a review of a claim following a name change could result in delays during these reviews in cases where the Social Security Administration is not notified of the change.

Still another reason to notify the Social Security Administration of a name change is that monthly payments must match the recipient's name. Typically, the Social Security Administration makes disability payments electronically through direct deposit, and it is important that your name matches the name indicated on the payment.

How Should You Notify the Social Security Administration of a Name Change?

It is important to understand that the Social Security Administration will not automatically be notified of your name change. Some people assume that if they go through a legal process to change their name, notification will occur automatically as part of that process – but this is not the case. To notify the Social Security Administration of a name change, you must contact them directly.

Generally, there are three steps that you will need to take when legally changing your name with the Social Security Administration, which include:

  • Providing proof that your name has legally been changed through marriage, divorce, naturalization, or as a result of some other legal proceeding.
  • Completing an application for a new Social Security card.
  • Obtaining a new card and verifying that all information is correct.

As noted, depending upon your circumstances, you may be required to bring certain documentation and proof of identity. If, for example, you are updating your name due to a change in marital status, you may need to bring a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. In other circumstances, people may request name change as part of naturalization, or in court for one reason or another. If that is the case, certificates of naturalization or pertinent court orders will likely be required. In almost all cases, documentation like a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate is always helpful for additional proof of identity.

You can find additional information on the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. You can also call your local Social Security office, and a representative will be able to answer questions regarding any documentation needed for your particular situation.

Disability Experts Florida – Here for You

Legal matters can often seem complicated and confusing. When you’re struggling with a disability, the last thing you need is to add worry and stress about how various life events might affect your entitlement to benefits. The good news is, you don’t have to. Instead, you can turn to us.

At Disability Experts Florida, our talented and experienced team of attorneys understands every aspect of the law pertaining to disability claims. We're here to help you and guide you through this process every step of the way. We'll always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf, and we’re ready to get started today. If you are too, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

 

 

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