Transgender Identities and the Social Security Administration: Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at how the Social Security Administration determines a person’s gender and sex within the confines of marriage. We discovered that it may be possible for the Social Security Administration to recognize a transgender person’s preferred gender or sex if that person is legally married in Minnesota.
But, what if I’m single? Good question.
The process of changing one’s gender entirely is difficult and likely not totally possible as far as the federal government is concerned. The way the federal government recognizes individuals’ identities stems mainly from identification documents. This is where we will start.
In order to apply for Social Security under your preferred gender, you will need appropriate identification to do so and have gone through the appropriate steps to ensure the state and federal governments know that you have changed your gender and/or your name.
- Changing your name and gender – Apply to change your name and your gender through the local county courthouse. OutFront Minnesota has a great resource to help.
- Changing your driver’s license – Request a variance with Driver and Vehicle Services. Again, see OutFront Minnesota.
- Changing your birth certificate – You will have to apply for an updated birth certificate through the Minnesota Department of Health. OutFront Minnesota
Once you have done all of that, THEN you can apply to have your gender changed on your Social Security record. You will have had to get your gender changed through the courthouse in order to get your driver’s license changed. You will also need that court order to get your birth certificate, which is necessary to change your gender with the Administration. You will also need a letter from your surgeon or physician in addition to your birth certificate or driver’s license. The step-by-step process can be found on the Social Security website.
Now that you’ve done all that, you are ready to apply for Disability Insurance Benefits or Supplemental Security Income! Even if you have completed these steps, you may still run into trouble with the Social Security Administration. But, once you have an updated Social Security card with your preferred name and gender, the process should be much easier for you to apply with your correct name and gender.
