Leo Rossler: Your Social Security

It is important to regularly check your records to make sure that the name and number on your Social Security card match up with the name and number you're using elsewhere. If you don't, it could cost you time, money and effort to resolve.

Your Social Security number and the name on your Social Security card are often used by companies and government agencies as a way to check your identity. If anything is amiss, you could have a problem. That's why you should regularly check to make sure your records match. This is especially true for people who have recently changed their names, such as new brides or adopted children.

Here are a few examples of situations where mismatches can cause trouble.

Timely tax refunds. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) checks your return against your Social Security records. If your name and number don't match up, it could mean a delay in your tax refund or trouble with the IRS.

Leave the driving to us. You'll have to if you can't renew your driver's license due to a name and Social Security number mismatch with your state's Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Payroll problems. Make sure your employer and human resources department are using the correct name and Social Security number. Not only could it be a red flag to your employer when your identity doesn't match, it could affect your future Social Security benefits.

Credit where credit is due. If your earnings are not reported to Social Security under your correct name and number, you may not get the earnings credits you're due - and that could translate to lower benefit payments in your future. Such earnings discrepancies can be corrected, but it can cause an inconvenient delay when you file for benefits.

There are many reasons why your identity records should match ours. So make sure that any time you deal with a company or government agency, they have your correct name and Social Security number as it appears on your Social Security card. The Tyler office is located at 5509 S. Donnybrook Ave.

To learn more about your Social Security card and number, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.

Leo Rossler is a Social Security district manager based in Tyler.

Leo Rossler
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