Social Security Card Before Marriage or After?

[digitalvx 4]

Should we check "Yes" on the DS230 to have a SSN initiated or should we get married and then go to Social Security Ofc and apply with last name already updated?

Have not been able to find clear answers and will call SSN ofc but figured I'd ask you all.

[MedRoni 161]

If married - Yes, you can check the option on the DS-230 form and they will send one after arrival in the US. If you choose this option you need to make sure you have added your spouses name at the post office as they do not always get delivered if the post office was not updated. You can also go to the Social Security office if you prefer, but you may need to make sure you wait a few days for everything to be in the system.

Edited July 18, 2013 by MedRoni

[didopage 337]

It doesn't work for K-1. You will have to go to a SSA office to apply for one. Some employees will let you apply with your married name, but some won't because that's not the name that match the DHS infos (you are in their system with the name on your K-1). Best is to apply now, before marriage. What is important is to get a SSN, this number will then never change. You can go back to update your SS card later, when you get your EAD/green card (file AOS and EAD paperwork with your married name, if that's the one you want to use).

Edited July 18, 2013 by didopage

[KayDeeCee 4,892]

~ Moved from AOS Family Based to Social Security Numbers ~

[Wariza 8]

It doesn't work for K-1. You will have to go to a SSA office to apply for one. Some employees will let you apply with your married name, but some won't because that's not the name that match the DHS infos (you are in their system with the name on your K-1). Best is to apply now, before marriage. What is important is to get a SSN, this number will then never change. You can go back to update your SS card later, when you get your EAD/green card (file AOS and EAD paperwork with your married name, if that's the one you want to use).

I agree to apply now. You will need it for work and other things. you can always change the name. We waited till after we were married and the SS employee told us the name was not in the system. Now we have to wait for AOS. I can't even make her beneficiary of my 401K until we have it.

Edited July 18, 2013 by Wariza

[LongRX7 6]

Oh..Wariza makes sense. Luckily for us, we got her SS card soon after her arrival. Then got married and resubmitted for a name change on her SS card with proof of marriage.

[didopage 337]

I agree to apply now. You will need it for work and other things. you can always change the name. We waited till after we were married and the SS employee told us the name was not in the system. Now we have to wait for AOS. I can't even make her beneficiary of my 401K until we have it.

Even if you are not yet in the system, they can do a manual verification. It happened to me 3 times (when you go right after receiving your EAD/GC, your status update also takes time to show up in their system), got my SS card 1-2 weeks later each time. Edited July 20, 2013 by didopage

[didopage 337]

Or if you try with your married name but doesn't work because that doesn't match the infos in the system, you can still apply with your maiden name, and update your name later, with EAD or GC.

[Pitaya 2,576]

Here is an interesting guide from Darnell, a VJ veteran:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

HTH

[Anna Grant 169]

Please learn from my mistake here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/442017-ssn-told-i-cant-apply-for-one-as-married-on-k1-visa/

and apply for an SSN before you get married. You need to leave it about 10 days after entering the US.