Update your Social Security record

A business conference I recently attended taught me that we all need to keep our social security records up to date. You must ensure your wages are being reported accurately and contact the Social Security Administration to make corrections.

So, if you are not a born citizen (meaning born in the U.S.), you must update your records. Please update immediately if you got your citizenship from your parents before turning 18 or received a Certificate of Naturalization.

This is what I've learned and am sharing with you. Now, you're not clueless anymore, so if you don't take action, it's your fault! There are some services and benefits that are only for U.S. citizens. Make sure you don't end up in a position where you need which services or benefits and you don't qualify.

It would be best if you did a few things now that you're a citizen.

1.????Apply for your U.S. Passport (seriously, pay the money and get it done right away). At the oath ceremony, they will give you a Certificate of Naturalization, which you can use to apply for your U.S. passport. That certificate is not proof of citizenship, just FYI.

a.????Get your child a Certificate of Citizenship (child under 18 and have a green card (permanent resident). This form will cost you a pretty penny, but it'll save you a lot of headaches later. You will need Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. It's so immigration can update their system so that the child is no longer a green card holder but a citizen. And with that, you can apply for the child's U.S. passport.

b.????Your child can apply for their passport at the post office with your Naturalization certificate. The option is acceptable, but the immigration system won't get updated without Form N-600. That means traveling internationally is risky every time. The form has to be filled out, regardless. However, now you might not have the information the form asks for, like dates and port of entry. GO FOR OPTION A WHILE THEY'RE YOUNG, THE DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE, AND YOUR BRAIN hasn't aged yet.

2.????Update your Social Security record! Make sure Social Security knows about your new status (you can find your SSA location on Google). When you visit the SSA office, you'll need your Certificate of Naturalization or passport. You won't be able to get the benefits and services you're entitled to without that update. Imagine you're trying to collect your SSI (the social security tax taken from your paycheck since you started working), and the SSA didn't get the memo you're a citizen. I can't imagine how frustrating and sad that will be!

3.????Last but not least, register to vote. When you leave your country, pay all the money we know immigration makes us pay, stress through interviews and work to survive, then register to vote so that you have a voice and can make a difference.

As an adult, you can opt to wait it out and do it last minute. If you have children with permanent residence, I hope you at least make sure your child is all set.

Disclaimer:?This is not a legal or SSA opinion, and I am not a USCIS employee, USCIS agent, or SSA employee. Please take my posts with a grain of salt and do your due diligence before making any decisions.