The name on my birth certificate is different from the name I now use.

Will my application for Social Security or Medicare benefits be adversely affected if my name differs from what's on my birth certificate?

I simply started using my stepfather's name when I was ten years old. There was no problem with the schools. There was no adoption or name change procedures filed. Later I put my new name on my application for a social security card and so my earnings records use it, as well as my military discharge papers, three university degrees and three consecutive U.S. passports. Everything. It occurred to me I might have a problem when I discovered I could not find my birth certificate and ordered a copy. I was informed I will need a certified court order establishing that I am the person on that birth certificate before they will cut me a copy.

The clerk at my local county courthouse didn't believe my story ("That's highly unlikely, sir"), and inquiries to the Social Security Administration have resulted in canned responses that do not address the question.

I do not wish to change the name on my SSN card or apply for another one. I do not wish to change my present name. Will I have to change the name on my birth certificate? I only recently found out this is possible. If that's something I need to do, I must first establish that I am that person.

Is this something I need to address? If it's not an issue and I don't need my birth certificate for anything, then I'd prefer to leave it alone.