Each year your employer(s) sends Copy A of Form W-2 to the Social Security Administration.   Social Security matches your name and SSN against its database of all SSNs issued.   When a match is found, the earnings information from the W-2 is recorded in your lifelong earnings history.   Your lifelong earnings history is the basis for determining future eligibility and benefit amount to Social Security’s retirement disability, and survivors programs. 

It’s critical that your name and SSN, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and year-end Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement).   If you find out that these items do not match, this is what you need to do:

1. If your Social Security card does not show your correct name or SSN, or if you have lost your Social Security card, contact your local Social Security Office.

2. Provide your employer with the correct information as shown on your Social Security card or your corrected card.

However, if your name and SSN, as shown on your Social Security card does match the information shown on your Form W-2, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to find out why the Social Security Administration’s records do not match what was reported for you by your employer.

The information your employer received from Social Security does not imply that you intentionally gave incorrect information about your name or SSN. It is not a basis, in and of itself, for your employer to change your job, lay you off, fire you or take other action against you. If you think that any action against you based on the information your employer received from Social Security is related to labor union activities or union organizing activities, you may contact the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an agency of the U.S. government (http://www.nlrb.gov).

If you think that any actions against you are related to your race, color, sex, religion or national origins, you may contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Check your local directory for the telephone number of the nearest NLBR or the EEOC offices in your area. If you have questions or concerns about unfair practices by your employer that may be related to your national origin or citizenship status, you may call the Office of the Special Council for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices toll free at 1-800-255-7688 or 1-800-237-2515 (TDD for the hearing impaired). Within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, call (202) 616-5594.