SSA won't change my name!

[CaptainMewBu 0]

I went to my local Social Security office today to update my name and status, and to get a corrected SS card, but the woman said I didn't have the right documents. I would like to know if anyone can help! Here's the background:

I used to live in the US as a student (more than 10 years ago), and had a SSN through a job on campus. The SS card had the "work with DHS authorization only" on it. I left the US soon after graduation and didn't return until 3 weeks ago on my CR-1 visa. When I got married to my USC husband, I changed my name legally (both first and last names) and we did all the visa paperwork in my new name. No problem, everything went smoothly.

Today I brought my foreign passport (in new name), temporary GC in passport (in new name) and my foreign legal name change document to the SS office. The woman at the desk told me there was no way I could change my name unless I produced one of the documents listed here: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212010

Only 2 of the options on the list really apply: get a US court order (but is it even possible since my passport and GC are already in new name?) or wait till naturalization (which means 3 years from now). I was really surprised because I thought the green card and my passport should be evidence of my name change but the woman said my legal U.S. name is what's on my SS card and that immigration documents don't matter (!!!!). She was really rude and condescending throughout, questioning why I changed my name, etc, and when I asked if I could speak with a supervisor she said there were no supervisors at the SS office! I am not quite sure what to do next -- any advice?

Thanks in advance!

[milimelo 4,226]

You could try going to a different SSA office and hopefully get someone with a bit more experience. Also, there's a way to contact SSA online and present your case. If all else fails, contact your spouse's congressman's or senator's immigration aide and request assistance with SSA issue.

[CaptainMewBu 0]

Thanks milimelo! I do plan on going to another SSA office but before I do that, I want to know if the SSA woman was right? She said she couldn't process my request because my document (foreign legal name change) is not listed as one of the dropbox options, so she couldn't choose it on the computer. I called the SSA number as well but the person I spoke with had no idea what to do.

[Zedayn 485]

I went to my local Social Security office today to update my name and status, and to get a corrected SS card, but the woman said I didn't have the right documents. I would like to know if anyone can help! Here's the background:

I used to live in the US as a student (more than 10 years ago), and had a SSN through a job on campus. The SS card had the "work with DHS authorization only" on it. I left the US soon after graduation and didn't return until 3 weeks ago on my CR-1 visa. When I got married to my USC husband, I changed my name legally (both first and last names) and we did all the visa paperwork in my new name. No problem, everything went smoothly.

Today I brought my foreign passport (in new name), temporary GC in passport (in new name) and my foreign legal name change document to the SS office. The woman at the desk told me there was no way I could change my name unless I produced one of the documents listed here: https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110212010

Only 2 of the options on the list really apply: get a US court order (but is it even possible since my passport and GC are already in new name?) or wait till naturalization (which means 3 years from now). I was really surprised because I thought the green card and my passport should be evidence of my name change but the woman said my legal U.S. name is what's on my SS card and that immigration documents don't matter (!!!!). She was really rude and condescending throughout, questioning why I changed my name, etc, and when I asked if I could speak with a supervisor she said there were no supervisors at the SS office! I am not quite sure what to do next -- any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Your foreign marriage certificate is also on that list. That would also be acceptable proof of name change.

[CaptainMewBu 0]

But my first name has been changed as well, not just my last name. Would they accept a foreign marriage certificate as proof of a first name change?

[Zedayn 485]

But my first name has been changed as well, not just my last name. Would they accept a foreign marriage certificate as proof of a first name change?

Yes they should be able to.

[CaptainMewBu 0]

I'll try that! Thanks Zedayn!

[Drewton12 2]

My wife is in a very similar situation with SSA. Seeing this thread has been quiet for a bit, @CaptainMewBu did you ever get this resolved? If so, we would really be eager to hear the steps it took to get the revised SS card printed.