Is it normal to provide your Social Security number on a job application?
It is legal for employers to ask for SSNs on job applications. However, candidates are not obligated to provide it if they feel uncomfortable. Candidates may also want to do their due diligence in researching employers to ensure they’re legitimate.
Is it illegal for a company to ask for Social Security number?
Yes, you can refuse unless you’re legally required to provide your Social Security number (SSN). However, there’s also no law preventing businesses from asking for it or refusing you service if you don’t provide it.
Is it safe to give social security number job application online?
Asking for the social security number on an application is legal in most states, but it is an extremely bad practice. (Some states prohibit private employers from collecting this information for fear of identity theft.) It is not recommended that you provide this information on a job application.
What can employers see with your social security number?
Many businesses ask for your SSN because it is a convenient way to identify you in their system. As a result, your social security number can now reveal all kinds of information about you, including places you’ve lived, your credit history, and maybe even medical conditions.
Is it safe to give Social Security number online?
The Social Security Administration protects your Social Security number and keeps your records confidential. We don’t give your number to anyone, except when authorized by law. You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you’re asked for it.
Why do employers ask for your Social Security number when applying for a job?
Why Employers Ask for Social Security Numbers on Applications . Some employers (including state hiring agencies and the federal government) require applicants to list their social security number (SSN) when completing job applications. Employers may want your social security number to conduct a background check or credit check.
Do you have to put your Social Security number on an application?
Why Employers Ask for Social Security Numbers on Applications. Some employers (including state hiring agencies) require applicants to list their social security number (SSN) when completing job applications.
Can You Leave Your Social Security number blank on a job application?
Of course, employers might choose to screen out applicants who do not comply with their request for information. If giving your social security number is a required field on an online application, leaving the answer blank may not be an option. Before filling in your social security number, make sure you are on the company’s legitimate site.
What to do if you get a check for your Social Security number?
If an employer you have never worked with or never heard of gives you a check, it is likely also a scam. Tear up the check and cease communication with the company. Definitely do not email your social security number to any prospective employer – or to anyone, in general. Avoid sharing any personal information beyond your contact information.
When to ask for Social Security number when applying for job?
Most employers that do conduct these checks do not do so until you are further along in the hiring process than the initial application. Employers are permitted to ask applicants for their social security numbers in all states.
Do you have to list your SSN when applying for a job?
Some employers (including state hiring agencies) require applicants to list their social security number (SSN) when completing job applications. Employers may want your social security number to conduct a background check or credit check. However, several states have prohibited or limited the use of credit checks for job applicants.
Is it legal to ask for Social Security number?
Most controversial is the practice of employers asking for social security numbers from every applicant whether the individual will receive further consideration or not. Asking for the social security number on an application is legal in most states, but it is an extremely bad practice.
What can an employer do with your Social Security number?
Your Social Security number provided in an online employment application will be used to identify your records, and for background checks and other requests for information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you, to the extent allowed by law.