Is It Safe To Put Your Social Security Number On A Job Application?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Generally,

should not request a Social Security number

(SSN) on an employment application as the SSN is not directly related to an 's ability to perform a specific job and applications are often viewed by individuals who do not have a need to know this information.

Is it safe to put Social Security number online job application?

Short answer:

No. Do not place your SSN on your resume

. … Scammers could ask for SSN as part of a fake job application. Even an employer with a legitimate need for your SSN (for a background check, for example) should not collect this on an application form.

Why do companies ask for Social Security number on applications?

Another common reason employers ask for Social Security numbers is

to simply confirm the candidate's identity and work authorization before moving any further through

the hiring and screening process. … Assess whether the SSN is valid. Confirm that the SSN matches the candidate-provided name and date of birth.

Can I refuse to give my SSN?


There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN

. And you may be denied service if you don't give the number. If giving your SSN to a business doesn't seem reasonable to you, ask if you can show another form of identification.

Should I give SSN to employer?

Employers may ask for a Social Security number before you've been hired, but

it's not mandatory to provide it

, according to the Society of Human Resource Management. When you are hired, you will need to provide your Social Security number so your employer can do a background check.

What happens if someone gets your SSN?

Once hackers or thieves have your SSN, they can make false statements on claims, file claims under your SSN,

file fraudulent tax returns for refunds, open bank accounts and credit cards and more

. A SSN, especially one with a good credit score attached, can be used to extract serious money quickly via these scams.

Can I sue my employer for giving out my Social Security number?

Yes, you may sue,

you can sue any one for anything

.

Who can legally ask for your SSN?

Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that

state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies

request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.

Why you should never give out your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your

Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you

. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. … You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you're asked for it.

When am I required to give my Social Security number?

When are you required to give your number? There are essentially two situations: You

are doing something that is reportable to the IRS or your state's tax department

; and/or. You are engaged in a financial transaction that is subject to the Customer Identification Program.

Do background checks require Social Security number?


Criminal do not require a SSN

. They are searched by name, date of birth and address. If the applicant has a SSN, it is best used to help properly identify the applicant before the searches are run.

Can you change your SSN?


You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen

, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

What happens if employee refuses to give Social Security number?

An employee

may be subject to a $50 penalty under section 6723

for failure to furnish his or her SSN to the employer. The employer may be subject to a penalty under section 6721 for filing a Form W-2 which does not include the employee's SSN.

How do I know if someone used my SSN?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes,

review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity

Should I be worried if someone has my Social Security number?

If you suspect somebody has your Social Security Number — whether they stole it from a company (like Equifax) or you gave it to them voluntarily — it's important

to set up credit monitoring

. Typically your bank or the company that was breached will provide this to you for free.

How do you know if someone has your SSN?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes,

review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.