My name is spelled differently on my birth certificate than on my Social Security card. Will this be an issue when I apply for benefits?

Probably not. The folks at the Social Security Administration (SSA) are used to dealing with name changes and discrepancies of all kinds.

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However, differences in personal information such as name or date of birth may result in problems in other areas, such as renewing your driver’s license and filing tax returns. It is best to resolve the differences sooner than later. You can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to discuss your concerns with a representative.

Keep in mind

• If you change your name due to marriage, divorce or another reason, notify the SSA as soon as possible to avoid any discrepancy between your legal name and what's in your Social Security record. 
• To get a new card, you'll need to fill out an SS-5 form and provide it to your local SSA office along with proof of identity and documentation of name change. Social Security has a web page with details on what you need to get a new or corrected card.