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Posts Tagged ‘protecting my social security number’

There are two Internet verification options you can use to verify that your employee names and Social Security numbers match Social Security’s records. You can:  Verify up to 10 names and SSNs (per screen) online and receive immediate results. This option is ideal to verify new hires.

• Upload overnight files of up to 250,000 names and SSNs and usually receive results the next government business day. This option is ideal if you want to verify an entire payroll database or if you hire a large number of workers at a time.

While the service is available to all employers and third-party submitters, it can only be used to verify current or former employees and only for wage reporting (Form W-2) purposes.

Why Should I Verify Names and SSNs Online

 Correct names and SSNs on W-2 wage reports are the keys to the successful processing of your annual wage report submission.

• It’s faster and easier to use than submitting your requests paper listings or using Social Security’s telephone verification option.
• Results in more accurate wage reports.
• Saves you processing costs and reduces the number of W-2cs.
• Allows Social Security to properly credit your employees’ earnings record, which will be important information in determining their Social Security benefits in the future.

Steps to Register for SSNVS

1. Register to Use SSNVS – Registration is required through www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm. Third-party preparers need only register once in their own firm’s name. Complete the registration form and select your own password. Social Security will verify your identity against our records and display a User ID. Make note of your the User ID, password and expiration date. Social Security Number Verification Service Handbook
2. Request Access and Activation Code – Return to www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm
   and login in with your User ID and password. Select “Request Access and Activation Code.”
3. Activation Code is Mailed to Your Employer – Your employer should give you the activation code which allows you access to SSNVS.
4. Login to Use the Service – Go to www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm, select Login, input your User ID, password and activation code and you will be able to use the service.

NOTE: For more detailed instructions on registering and/or using SSNVS, get a copy of the www.ssa.gov/employer/ssnvs_handbk.htm.

Often employers ask to see an employee’s Social Security card. But, do you really need to see the card? Since 1936, Social Security has issued over 30 different versions of the Social Security number (SSN) card which makes it difficult to recognize a valid card. Sometimes when you ask an employee to show you their card they can’t find it. In either case, you don’t have to send them to a local Social Security office.

Consider using the free Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) which allows registered employers to quickly verify whether a person’s name and SSN match Social Security’s records. It saves you and the employee time. For more information about SSNVS visit Employer W-2 Filing Instructions & Information. Learn more about the New Security Features of the Social Security Card.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/employer/SSNcard.htm

How can I protect my Social Security number?

You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

We do several things to protect your number from misuse. For example, we require and carefully inspect proof of identity from people who apply to replace lost or stolen Social Security cards, or for corrected cards. One reason we do this is to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining Social Security numbers to establish false identities. We maintain the privacy of Social Security records unless:

• The law requires us to disclose information to another government agency; or
• Your information is needed to conduct Social Security or other government health or welfare program business.

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

• Why your number is needed;
• How your number will be used;
• What happens if you refuse; and
• What law requires you to give your number.

The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours.