Documents / SSN / ID different name from Sponsor (Wife) - Issue?

[Pat2021 43]

Hi everyone.

My last name is hyphenated between my birth name and wife's (sponsors) surname. My wife has the same.

 

I just got my SSN and they used the name that was on my IR1 Visa and on my machine readable part - the hyphen being replaced with a space.

Now I read that for the IR1 Visa, they can't use hyphens, and it seems it's the same for the SSN.

But for some odd reason back when my wife changed her name, they issued the SSN for her with the hyphen in the last name.

 

Now I'm wondering if it will cause any issues that my document spells a "different" name then my wife's?

Also, for all bank accounts, CC's, etc. I've been using my name hyphenated, as I prefer it that way - will this cause an issue?

What name do I use when we file taxes married jointly? Hers with a hyphen, mine without? Both with a hyphen?

 

It seems a silly thing with just one character but just want to make sure, thank you

[Wuozopo 4,293]

12 hours ago, Pat2021 said:

Hi everyone.

My last name is hyphenated between my birth name and wife's (sponsors) surname. My wife has the same.

 

I just got my SSN and they used the name that was on my IR1 Visa and on my machine readable part - the hyphen being replaced with a space.

Now I read that for the IR1 Visa, they can't use hyphens, and it seems it's the same for the SSN.

But for some odd reason back when my wife changed her name, they issued the SSN for her with the hyphen in the last name.

 

Now I'm wondering if it will cause any issues that my document spells a "different" name then my wife's?

Also, for all bank accounts, CC's, etc. I've been using my name hyphenated, as I prefer it that way - will this cause an issue?

What name do I use when we file taxes married jointly? Hers with a hyphen, mine without? Both with a hyphen?

 

It seems a silly thing with just one character but just want to make sure, thank you

As an immigrant, social security has to use the name that was on your entry visa so that seems to be what they did. As a citizen, your wife has more flexibility to change her name. You will want your work credits to pay into social security with the name they have for you. I don’t think credit card names have to match exactly. Have you been into a SSA office to try to change your name with them?  I have had a huge hassle trying to get an appointment with them, but if you have the patience, maybe a walk-in could fix the name issue.

[Pat2021 43]

2 hours ago, Wuozopo said:

As an immigrant, social security has to use the name that was on your entry visa so that seems to be what they did. As a citizen, your wife has more flexibility to change her name. You will want your work credits to pay into social security with the name they have for you. I don’t think credit card names have to match exactly. Have you been into a SSA office to try to change your name with them?  I have had a huge hassle trying to get an appointment with them, but if you have the patience, maybe a walk-in could fix the name issue.

I haven't been to the SSN office, no. Maybe I can try one of these days? But if they do add the hyphen, would that cause any issues with the USCIS system if one day I'll apply for N400?

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 hour ago, Pat2021 said:

I haven't been to the SSN office, no. Maybe I can try one of these days? But if they do add the hyphen, would that cause any issues with the USCIS system if one day I'll apply for N400?

SSA and USCIS are different agencies. The real reason for a SSN is to apply your work credits for retirement and Medicare. It’s not really a National ID number like you have in the UK, even though every place uses it as an ID. I don’t really know if SSA would change your name from what USCIS has named you because you are an immigrant. I don’t think a hyphen or space is really going to be an issue in your daily life.. My wife has various versions of her name at different places like financial accounts, voting, driver licence, stock certificates. (Example: first, middle, married name or first, maiden, married name or sometimes using just an initial in the middle. When you apply for citizenship, you have the option to pick a whole new name (or just add a hyphen). Fix it then if needed.  What your SS card says does not define what you have to use in day to day life except for places that have to verify with USCIS’s S.A.V.E database like SSA and in my state the DMV.

Edited January 24, 2023 by Wuozopo