When are Social Security numbers required?

Herb Weisbaum • Profile • E-mail

I previously wrote about why a medical office would require a Social Security number, but readers reacted with a slew of more questions regarding that coveted piece of identification. Nan in Oregon wants to know who else can ask for it, Jerry in New York wonders if he could be discriminated against if he doesn't reveal his Social Security number, and one reader may have just been duped into giving it out.

You wrote about giving out Social Security numbers at doctors’ offices. Who else can ask for this information?
-- Nan, Ashland, Ore.

Any business can request your Social Security number, but that doesn’t mean you are legally required to give it to them. Here’s the problem: Social Security numbers were never meant to be a personal identifier, but they’ve become just that. Ed Mierzwinski, Consumer Programs Director at U.S. PIRG, points out that “there is no law that prevents a business from discriminating against you or not doing business with you, if you do not provide the requested information.”

There are certain times when Social Security numbers must be used. This is not a complete list, but here are some of the major situations when they are required:

• Most financial transactions
• Employment records
• Tax returns (federal and state)
• Medicare benefits
• Contact with the Social Security Administration
• Applications for a hunting, fishing or other recreational license.

Some states have their own requirements for providing Social Security numbers. For instance, in Washington you must list your Social Security number the first time you apply for a driver’s license. Federal law (The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004) prohibits states from displaying your Social Security number on your license or vehicle registration forms, but they can still collect this information.

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Because the Social Security number has become a personal identifier, you will need to use it for many other transactions -- basically anything that involves a credit check or background check. A potential landlord or prospective employer will probably request it. And anyone lending you money or extending credit will need it.

“We really are in a terrible situation today with the abuse and overuse of Social Security numbers,” says Beth Givens, director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. “Just try getting a credit card or insurance without providing your Social Security number,” Givens says. “You’ll also need it to get a professional license and to apply for college.”

You may even be asked to provide your Social Security number when starting utility or cable service. Before you give it out, ask if you can provide some other form of identification, such as your driver’s license number. They may be willing to accept it if you prepay the first month’s bill, which is the law in California. For people who live in other states, you may need to talk to a supervisor to make this happen. A driver’s license number is much less useful to an identity thief than a Social Security Number.

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