How Changing Her Name After Marriage May Affect Her Paycheck
- By Christine Harrell
- Published 09/23/2011
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
The wedding day is one of the most joyful moments in a woman's life. Then the paperwork sets in. Changing a last name after marriage can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience, but the following tips can remove some of the stress.
While name changes can affect all aspects of a person's life, from credit cards to airline reservations, one of the most critical issues involves getting paid. The first four stops after receiving a legal change document are the local Social Security office, the state or county department of motor vehicles (DMV), the bank, and the employer.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require women who have changed their last names to get a reissued card, but they must notify both the SSA and the employer so that paycheck deductions continue to be credited properly. To request an updated card due to a social security name change from marriage, a person must submit an application with supporting documents. These documents include a certified copy of the marriage license, not a photocopy. The new card is free and will be mailed within ten business days.
Cashing or depositing a paycheck can be difficult if the identity on the check does not match the identity on a driver's license. Most motor vehicle departments require an in-person visit with supporting documentation before an updated license can be issued. Newlyweds should keep in mind that most states require the c
hange to be on file with the SSA beforehand. After an amended driver's license is in hand, a customer can update her account details with the bank or credit union.
Finally, after the change has been made with the SSA and the DMV, the modified details and marital status must be reported to the employer. If a company submits year-end payroll data that disagrees with the data in the SSA's master file, employees can end up with paycheck, social security and tax problems. Most employers require that an employee's identity be consistent across all records, so the new married moniker becomes the standard across paychecks, insurance forms, retirement benefits, time off systems, and employee directories.
Wives must recognize that changing last name after marriage can also impact paychecks during job transitions. If a woman wants to change jobs and lists a previous employer as a reference, that organization likely only knows her by the maiden name. When they tell a prospective employer that no person called Smith or Jones has ever worked for them, the once happy bride can lose her chances at a bright financial future with her new husband.
Changing names can impact a person's paycheck in several ways, but the sage advice listed above eliminates the most common problems. One additional way to avoid this stress is to have a professional service take care of the details of obtaining and filling out the necessary paperwork for government agencies, then the bride simply signs them and sends them in in pre-addressed postage paid envelopes.
While name changes can affect all aspects of a person's life, from credit cards to airline reservations, one of the most critical issues involves getting paid. The first four stops after receiving a legal change document are the local Social Security office, the state or county department of motor vehicles (DMV), the bank, and the employer.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not require women who have changed their last names to get a reissued card, but they must notify both the SSA and the employer so that paycheck deductions continue to be credited properly. To request an updated card due to a social security name change from marriage, a person must submit an application with supporting documents. These documents include a certified copy of the marriage license, not a photocopy. The new card is free and will be mailed within ten business days.
Cashing or depositing a paycheck can be difficult if the identity on the check does not match the identity on a driver's license. Most motor vehicle departments require an in-person visit with supporting documentation before an updated license can be issued. Newlyweds should keep in mind that most states require the c
Finally, after the change has been made with the SSA and the DMV, the modified details and marital status must be reported to the employer. If a company submits year-end payroll data that disagrees with the data in the SSA's master file, employees can end up with paycheck, social security and tax problems. Most employers require that an employee's identity be consistent across all records, so the new married moniker becomes the standard across paychecks, insurance forms, retirement benefits, time off systems, and employee directories.
Wives must recognize that changing last name after marriage can also impact paychecks during job transitions. If a woman wants to change jobs and lists a previous employer as a reference, that organization likely only knows her by the maiden name. When they tell a prospective employer that no person called Smith or Jones has ever worked for them, the once happy bride can lose her chances at a bright financial future with her new husband.
Changing names can impact a person's paycheck in several ways, but the sage advice listed above eliminates the most common problems. One additional way to avoid this stress is to have a professional service take care of the details of obtaining and filling out the necessary paperwork for government agencies, then the bride simply signs them and sends them in in pre-addressed postage paid envelopes.
Christine Harrell
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about changing last name after marriage , please visit http://www.hitchswitch.com
View all articles by Christine Harrell