[pechocha]

Well, after three months of not hearing from the SSA for my DD new SS card, I went to the office myself and this is what happened:
My DD had a SSN assigned with her birth name (DCFS) and so when the adoption was final, that same day, we went to the SS office to get a new number, the clerk told us that in order to get a new number for her, we needed the ammended birth certificate, but in the meantime, she was going to change her name in the old number, and once we had the BC to take it back to the office and they will issue a new number, well, that is not supposed to happen.

I showed up today, and there is no way SSA could assign a new number to DD because one is already assign to her with her new name and us listed as parents. I was literally crying in the office, I mean, the first clerk that helped us in the beginning was supposed to know that, but not, instead she changed her name, and she screwed the whole process. The gentleman that helped today told me that I should have waited for the ammended birth certificate and then go get a new number, instead of just changing her name to the old number. So, now, they will have to send all the paperwork and a new application to the Baltimore office for them to issue the new number, and void the old one. BUT it will take up to a year to get a new number, isn't this crazy, since Baltimore office has to verify all documents including court papers. So just be aware, do not change the name to the old number if what you want is to just get a brand new number. Do not do anything until you received the ammended birth certificate.

[Bonitaj]

Thank you so much for telling us your story. What a MESS!

[One_Happy_Momma]

Oh Isa, I'm so sorry! I went 7 days after adoption finalized and they were able to get me a new number with her new name.

The girl at the window at first said I couldn't even get a new number, then she said I couldn't do anything until I got her ammended birth certificate (I still haven't gotten it - Adoption finalized on 01/04/08).

Then a supervisor overheard our conversation then sat down next to her to help her out. With the Adoption Decree, and immunization record I was able to get her a new SSN card with her new name and new number within a couple of weeks.

Sometimes is easier to play dumb, and tell them you don't know if your child already had a former number, when they are able to find her/him, have them write it down for you, then request a new number. If they still insist on not changing it, walk out and go to another office until you are satisfied.

[pechocha]

Wow, Lupe, you were so lucky, I should have done what you are suggesting, but I think we're screwed now. I didn't know any better last year after the adoption was finalized, this is my first time dealing with the SS office, and now I know, you can't trust anyone. I can't even trust the guy that helped me today, he will mail the package to the Baltimore office, but what IF he doesn't send it. Uggh

I know I shouldn't feel this way, but my eyes got all watery, when the guy showed me on the screen, how the names are listed, her new name is listed first, with us listed as parents, but underneath was her birth name along with her birthmom's name. It's not that I want to erase her history, it's just that she will always have to list her birth name when asked.

I just hope that SSA can issue a new number, even if it takes up to a year, I mean, we waited 15 months for her birth certificate!

Isa

[mommytoEli]

i think you just got someone who didn't know what they were doing. it shouldn't be this difficult. we changed 3 of our kiddos #'s and names. the first set was EASY, the second set a bit harder, but it still only took 2 weeks. one set we waited for the bc...and that was actualy the more difficult one to do...the other they allowed us to use only the adoption paperwork. again...i think it is about who you get at the window. this is something they are supposed to do for us....if they give you a hard time, there is a whole section on their website about getting new numbers to people who have been victims of abuse. it should not take a year. don't beat yourself up about messing up...i really don't think it is your fault. i can not tell you how many times i have had to explain to people in this office how to do their job!!!! my best advice to people going into this office is do your homework first. research what it is you need to do and how it needs to be done....bc you may have to give a quick lesson! lol.

[momofbgtwins]

Well we are having trouble with social security also. I did get the new girl and she screwed everything up. My two have never had ssn so once I got the amended birth certificates I took them down to get ssn 20 weeks ago. Everyone at my local office is giving me the run around and telling me different stories(5 different stories). The newest story is from the second supervisor telling me that my county could not verify the birth certificates so they had to send them off to the state along with checks. They received the checks back stating that they were not good. The supervisor said that they were only good for 60 days, so they had to reissue new ones. They are also telling me it can be anywhere form 6 months to a year to get the ssn. I will keep calling the supervisor till the day the numbers are in my hands.