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There is no
law either authorizing or prohibiting the use of Social Security
numbers by organizations other than government agencies. In
increasing numbers, government agencies, schools, and businesses
rely on Social Security numbers to identify people in their computer
systems. Your Social Security number is usually needed when opening
a bank account, registering for school, on tax documents, and for
payroll purposes. Banks and other financial institutions use the
numbers to report interest earned on accounts to the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS), and government agencies use Social Security numbers
in computer operations to stop fraud and abuse.
Providing your
Social Security number to organizations other than the SSA does
NOT give them access to your Social Security records. The privacy
of your records is guaranteed unless 1) disclosure to another government
agency is required by law or 2) the information is needed to conduct
Social Security or other government health or welfare programs.
Nevertheless,
you generally should not use your Social Security number as an identification
card. Keep it in a safe place and do not let anyone else handle
it.
Ensuring
an Accurate Social Security Record
When you work,
your Social Security number is used to record your earnings. You
can take steps to protect your Social Security record and to make
sure it is accurate:
- After showing
your employer your Social Security number, check the name and
Social Security number on your pay stub and W-2 form (annual statement
of earnings issued by an employer) to make sure your name and
number are correct. If you give your employer the wrong Social
Security number, your earnings may get credited to some other
worker.
- Send for
a Social Security earnings statement at least every three years
to make sure your record is correct. The statement is available
free of charge from the SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If
Someone Else Is Using My Number
It is against
the law to use someone else's Social Security number, or to give
false information when applying for a number. Also, it is illegal
to alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. Anyone convicted of
these crimes is subject to fines and/or imprisonment.
If you suspect
that someone is using your number, you should report it to Social
Security by calling 1-800-772-1213. You should also check your earnings
record by making a request
online or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a "Personal
Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement." Your statement will show
the earnings reported for your Social Security number each year
since 1951. If you find that too much or too little is reported
for your number, notify the SSA.
If your Social
Security number has been used to run up bills or obtain credit,
see Unauthorized
Use of Your Account.
The SSA cannot straighten out your credit record, and you must contact
each creditor or credit agency yourself. Also, the SSA cannot fix
incorrect reports made by an employer to state unemployment or welfare
offices. You will need to contact the state or local agency to correct
your record.
Be
Aware
Sometimes private
firms offer, for a fee, to obtain a number for a newborn child or
to get a revised card for a bride showing her new name. Generally,
these businesses are not illegal, but remember that both services
are free when you contact the SSA directly. It is illegal for private
firms to use words that seemingly represent the SSA or its emblems,
or that suggest a government affiliation, in order to solicit business.
In addition,
some private firms sell metal or plastic Social Security cards,
or offer them for free as an incentive for business offers. Although
these cards are not illegal, only a Social Security card issued
by the SSA is the official verification of a person's Social Security
number. If you decide to use these services, however, make sure
your number is correct.
If you receive
something you think is illegal, turn over the entire package, including
the envelope, to your local
SSA office or send the material to the Social Security Administration,
Office of Communications, P.O. Box 17740, Baltimore, Maryland 21235.
If you wish, you also can turn over the material to local postal
authorities.
The
information provided in this website is not legal advice and should
not be interpreted as legal advice. This website is intended to
provide a basic understanding of this information in summary form.
This information may not be comprehensive, is subject to change,
and may not apply to all individual circumstances. Any information
received here should be confirmed with the appropriate government
agencies or with an attorney, particularly as it relates to your
individual circumstances. Your use of this website indicates your
agreement to be bound by our Terms
of Use.
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