Post-Naturalization: Updating SSN

[Benoit_L 14]

Hi folks,

 

I will have my Naturalization Oath Ceremony tomorrow at Los Angeles (Fingers crossed).  And I requested a name change.  I just realized that SSA had closed in-person services and how are we supposed to have our SSN updated with the new name after 10 days of the oath ceremony?  Don't know if online services would work.

 

Any thoughts and ideas? 

[kris&me 572]

If you are approved for citizenship, and if naturalization swearing-in ceremonies are conducted by a court in your area, then you will be able to change your name legally at the ceremony. Your name change will take effect immediately after the ceremony has ended. The new name that you choose will be shown on your Certificate of Naturalization. In addition, you should receive a separate piece of paper that indicates you had a legal name change and you will be able to use the separate paper as proof of your new name.

If, on the other hand, your naturalization ceremony is not conducted in a court or by a judge, you cannot get a legal name change through USCIS, because the agency does not have the jurisdiction to bring this about. USCIS could issue you a Certificate of Naturalization with your chosen name, but you will not have a court order showing proof that you have a legal name change.

[NEW CITIZEN 151]

I guess that last response didn't even come close to answer your question!!!

 

I am waiting for the SSA to call me back. You should call them too.

First one that gets a response post here!!

[xyz12345 260]

1 hour ago, Benoit_L said:

Hi folks,

 

I will have my Naturalization Oath Ceremony tomorrow at Los Angeles (Fingers crossed).  And I requested a name change.  I just realized that SSA had closed in-person services and how are we supposed to have our SSN updated with the new name after 10 days of the oath ceremony?  Don't know if online services would work.

 

Any thoughts and ideas? 

My suggestion is to call your local SS office and tell them your situation -- that you need to have your SS account updated before you can have your DL updated. I don't know though if they will consider your situation as dire. But you can always suggest if you can fax your SS-5 form with your DL and nat cert.

 

 

From https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/

How can I get help from SSA?

Date: June 29, 2020

While our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, we remain committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. You can still get our help by using our online services or calling us. If you have a critical situation that we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you.

You can do most of your business with SSA online. Before calling us, please visit our website to see our list of convenient and secure self-service options. Save time and go online.

If you cannot use our online services, we can help with certain critical issues by phone and mail. Please see our question, "How will SSA help me by phone?"

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Will SSA provide in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Date: June 29, 2020

If you have a critical situation we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you. We remain unable to provide service to walk-in visitors due to the pandemic.

These decisions protect the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the pandemic.

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How can I find out if my Social Security office is open?

Date: June 29, 2020

None of our Social Security offices can accommodate walk-in visitors until further notice. In-person service is by appointment only and for limited, dire need situations. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, we are still able to provide critical services. If you have a critical situation that we cannot help you with by phone or online, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you.

You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or our National 800 Number. Local office phone numbers are available online at our Social Security Office Locator. Please visit our Office Closings and Emergencies page for the latest information about office closings.