Change of name

Individuals who decide to change their names should immediately report this to the Social Security offices or their employer. This ensures that all payments and contributions are entered under your name. It also keeps all your personal information up to date allowing for smoother transactions in the future.

People who have underwent name changes are required to present legal proof before these changes are made in their Social Security information database. Individuals are required to accomplish an application for a Social Security card and present authenticated documents proving their legal name change, proof of identity, and US citizenship ( for those who not established their citizenship status) or immigration status. Photocopies of such documents are not accepted but only originals or certified copies of the issuing agency are allowed.

Divorce

Individuals who were married for 10 years and have moved on to separate lives after divorce may begin to receive benefits when reaching the age of 62. Those who were able to remarry however will not be able to collect such benefits until their present marriage ends, either by divorce, death or annulment.

Divorced individuals may qualify for benefits if they satisfy these basic requirements.
• You are aged 62 years
• You are unmarried
• Your former spouse is qualified to receive Social Security benefits
• For individuals who are qualified to receive retirement benefits on their own but have lesser benefits compared to the amount they could receive with their former spouse benefits

Special circumstances
• For divorced individuals whose former spouse have not applied for Social Security but are qualified for benefits, the ex-spouse could apply for the benefits as long they have been divorced for at least two years.
• For individuals who are qualified to receive their own benefits, but with benefits which are higher, payments are computed by getting the combination of both benefits that equals the higher amount.

Remarriage

Adult disabled beneficiaries stop receiving benefits once they are married. Getting remarried is not an absolute condition for being denied benefits because special circumstance may allow disabled individuals to receive payments after marriage. Exemptions apply for couples who are both disabled beneficiaries. There are other special circumstances when individuals with disabilities are allowed to receive Social Security benefits, consultation with a social worker or a visit to any Social Security office can give you better information regarding this matter.

Website Link: Resources on Social Security at Tampa Bay Public Attorney Mike Murburg, serving clients in the Florida State area.