I’m working with an applicant who is transgender and currently in the process of changing her name. What do we do if her name change is finalized during the application process?

SSA recommends that the applicant ask their SSA field office to make a special note of this for DDS and, once the application has gone to DDS, to touch base with the disability examiner to remind them. As the SOAR case manager, you can indicate that a name change is in process in the ‘Remarks Section’ of all SSA forms, as well as in the Medical Summary Report. You could also include the name change document with the completed SOAR application. By keeping up good communication with DDS, the Examiner will be aware that the applicant’s name, gender, DOB, and SSN may not match all medical documentation. SSA also suggested informing the applicant's medical sources to ensure they are aware for medical records purposes. 

Here are some helpful links regarding name/gender changes:

• Application for a Social Security Card
• RM 10212.015 Evidence Requirements to Process a Name Change on the SSN
• RM 10212.200 Changing Numident Data for Reasons other than Name Change