Feb
21
2011
By Guest (not verified)
I would like to know if leagally changing my( minor) sons last name will effect my death benifits for him from his deceased father.
Effect of child's name change on survivor benefits
Please check directly with Social Security to verify this. However, I have never seen any requirement regarding surnames and the ability to receive survivor benefits.
Social Security documents state this :
If you change your name—by marriage, divorce or court order—you need to tell us right away. If you do not give us this information, your benefits will be issued under your old name and, if you have direct deposit, payments may not reach your account. If you receive checks, you may not be able to cash them if your identification is different than the name on your check.
http://ssa.gov/pubs/10077.html#4