SSA Office won't change name after marriage, says DHS docs must match...

[x_driven_x 1,778]

Hey all... 

 

I'm pretty sure this is just a case of my local SSA office doesn't know what they're doing, but I was hoping to find proof of actual policies or something I can take in.

 

Wife entered 9/19 on K1, Married 10/12.  We got her original SS card a few weeks after entering the country, and now that we're married we attempted to go back and get her card updated in her married name.

 

First visit, we forgot the printed copy of I-94 at home and was turned away.

Second visit, we brought everything but both the lady who called our number and her supervisor said they would not change her surname on her SS card without her documentation with DHS matching. She claimed her I-94 was no longer valid since we came on a K1 and now that we are married, we must update her surname with DHS first, before they will process the SS card name update.

 

Any advice? Anyone can point to the actual policies about this?

 

We're in Illinois, but I don't see how that should matter for Federal purposes.

 

Thanks!

[Alabamak1 688]

that is correct. They follow the documentation of DHS, meaning to be able to change your SS card, you need EAD at a minimum. That is their policy, SSA. Once the I-94 is expired, you have no way to fix the SS card to the new name, you just have to wait it out and change it with EAD or Gren card. 

[little immigrant 800]

File AOS in her married name. Also include EAD and AP. This way, once she receives it, she'll be able to update her SSN card. Remember to update it again after she gets her GC to remove the DHS restriction. 

[Alabamak1 688]

https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01981

[Ontarkie 13,902]

~~Moved to SSN, from K1~~

[x_driven_x 1,778]

8 hours ago, Alabamak1 said:

that is correct. They follow the documentation of DHS, meaning to be able to change your SS card, you need EAD at a minimum. That is their policy, SSA. Once the I-94 is expired, you have no way to fix the SS card to the new name, you just have to wait it out and change it with EAD or Gren card. 

 

I've known more than 10 couples that did not have to wait until AOS or EAD to change the name. All of them went to SSA after about 1-2 weeks of entry to get the original card, got married a few weeks later, took the marriage certificate back in and got an updated card with no problems. 

 

8 hours ago, little immigrant said:

File AOS in her married name. Also include EAD and AP. This way, once she receives it, she'll be able to update her SSN card. Remember to update it again after she gets her GC to remove the DHS restriction. 

That's probably what we're going to have to do. thanks.