Is it mandatory to inform SSA about new status?

[marco2009]

I see that many are going to SSA to update their status from alien to citizen. I would appreciate if you can let me know is this mandatory or optional? If it is optional – why are you doing this?

All I have received after oath was instruction how to apply for passport.

Why we are not notified officially by any of government agencies? I was not able to find any instruction on SSA site not other government sites regarding this issue.

[Ron Gotcher]

You do not need to inform them of your naturalization. I doubt that they even keep such information.

[marco2009]

You do not need to inform them of your naturalization. I doubt that they even keep such information.

I am confused by your answer. Are you saying that they do not care if you are alien or citizen, and that we do not have to inform them about our status change?!

The reason I am asking this question is that I see from other forums that all of the people once got naturalized are going to SSA to update their status associated with SSN from alien to citizen.

[Ron Gotcher]

The SSA doesn't care if you are a green card holder or a citizen. Both have the same rights as far as SSA is concerned and there is no need to differentiate.

[marco2009]

The SSA doesn't care if you are a green card holder or a citizen. Both have the same rights as far as SSA is concerned and there is no need to differentiate.

Are they (LPR and citizens) having the same rights/access to social security benefits?

[marco2009]

How will SSA confirm citizen status once E-Verify system request check?

[Ron Gotcher]

They don't. First, SSA has nothing to do with providing e-Verify data. They simply tell employers whether a specific SSN is valid or not.

Second, the SSA doesn't really care if someone is a citizen or an LPR. Both have the same rights. They distinguish between the group with unlimited rights (citizens and LPRs), the group with limited rights (nonimmigrants, asylees, and others with temporary work authorization), and those with no rights (illegals).

[marco2009]

You do not need to inform them of your naturalization. I doubt that they even keep such information.

Ron, it looks that it is mandatory for naturalized citizens to update their status with SSA. Please take a look here:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#immigration

[JoeF]

It doesn't say it's mandatory. It says "you should" tell them.
I told them when I became a citizen, but then, I also changed my name. That was the main reason for me.

[marco2009]

You do not need to inform them of your naturalization. I doubt that they even keep such information.

Ron, I have done research and it looks that it is mandatory to inform SSA about status change.

"What if my immigration status or citizenship changed?
If your immigration status changed or you became a U.S. citizen, you should tell Social Security so your records can be updated."

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10002.html#immigration