SSN on a Job Application

jriley · April 2003

Hi,

Can you ask for a SSN on a job application? If not, how soon can you ask the candidate for a SSN? Do you have to wait until they have accepted a job offer and signed a offer letter before you can ask for a SSN?

Thanks so much for your help.

Jennifer

njjel · April 2003

Yes, a job application may ask and should ask for the applicant's social security number.

cebudragonlady · April 2003

In these days of privacy concerns, just my opinion - applicants would be better off NOT giving the ss# until a job offer conditional on a background check is given. For those applicants not hired, a company has no business keeping or knowing ss# - and a lot of risk if something goes wrong.

Chari

Parabeagle · April 2003

Because of privacy concerns, I stopped asking for social security numbers on applications back in the late 1980s. It's not necessary to collect this information prior to hire and has no place on an application for employment.

awilliams · April 2003

Some states, such as California, have strict restrictions on when a SSN can be required. Let me know your state and I'll see what I can find out for you.

Anne Williams
Attorney Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers, LLC

jriley · April 2003

Anne,

I would really appreciate your help, as I recieved conflicting answers. I am interested in NH and MA.

Thank you!!
Jennifer

>Some states, such as California, have strict restrictions on when a
>SSN can be required. Let me know your state and I'll see what I can
>find out for you.
>
>
>Anne Williams
>Attorney Editor
>M. Lee Smith Publishers, LLC

valentine · April 2003

I don't know about NH but you can put ss on applications in MA. We are a MA based employer. We just recently had our application reviewed to comply with HIPPA by our attorneys and they have no problem with having SS on applications. In fact, we need it to check an applicant's nursing/CNA license before we bring them in for an interview.

Valentine

Leslie · April 2003

Anne, I had no clue this could be a problem. I'm in Arizona, any laws there?

safety · April 2003

Anne, what about Kansas, thanks.

jriley · April 2003

Anne,

Any luck finding out if there are any specific state laws in MA and/or NH relating to asking for a SSN on a application?

Thanks,
Jennifer

Whatever · April 2003

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 04-11-03 AT 01:08PM (CST)[/font][p]I am not very concerned about what my state law is. If I were looking for a job, I would not give out my social security. It has nothing to do with my qualifications. Therefore, I do not ask for a social security # until a person is hire.

njjel · April 2003

As we are permitted in NJ to ask for the SS# we do so and use it to compare to their actual SS Card when they present that for the I-9 as this is done after the job offer (filling out of the I-9 that is). It is a good double check. In 15 years, I have never had anyone refuse to provide their SS# on the application.

MrCreosote · April 2003

We need ssn to check bondability with our insurance carrier. Everyone here must be bonded and everyone has to provide ssn on the application.

WOCO Frank · April 2003

>>If I were looking for a job, I would not give out my social security. It has nothing to do with my qualifications.

Neither does your address or your last name. I'm guessing you would provide those items, though.

Crout · April 2003

It's a good idea to check your particular State, but since employers are obligated to deny employment for not having an SSN I personally feel that it's a good idea to ask for it as part of the application process. In that sense, the SSN is as much a part of an individual's qualifications as anything else.

SSN on a Job Application

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