Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law. Sometimes they will issue a different number if you ask.
FAQs
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? ›
Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it.
Can I refuse to give my 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 legal for a business to ask for your Social Security number? ›There is no law that prevents businesses from asking for your SSN. And you may be denied service if you don't give the number. If giving your SSN to a business doesn't seem reasonable to you, ask if you can show another form of identification. Or ask if the business can use another number as your customer number.
Can you sue someone for giving out your Social Security number? ›Take legal action: If you believe that your rights have been violated or that someone has acted illegally with your SSN, you may have grounds to take legal action. This could include suing the person or organization that misused your SSN for damages or seeking an injunction to stop them from continuing to use your SSN.
When should you not give your Social Security number? ›Most of the time, it's OK to say no to schools, doctor's offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.
Can I decline Social Security? ›If you change your mind about receiving benefits, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim if it has been less than 12 months since you were first entitled to benefits.
Why do companies ask for SSN? ›According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): It is not unlawful for employers to request an SSN on an application form; however employers should request SSN only when absolutely necessary, such as in conjunction with a background check, completing a W-4, or enrolling an employee into benefits plans.
Can you run a business without a SSN? ›Yes, you can use an EIN instead of an SSN for most business purposes.
Is asking for a Social Security number a HIPAA violation? ›First, and most importantly, the HIPAA regulations do not specifically prohibit the use or disclosure of an individual's Social Security number.
Can my boss ask for my Social Security number? ›Should I give my social security number on a job application? If an employer wants to conduct a background check on a potential hire, they are well within their rights to ask for the individual's SSN. However, most employers don't go through the effort of background checks until later in the recruitment process.
Is sharing your SSN illegal? ›
Loaning your Social Security number is against the law, and you are only gypping yourself or others. The Social Security number is to tabulate your earnings over your lifetime in order to calculate your earnings. Your Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime of earnings.
How do I check if my SSN is being used? ›If you think someone is using your number, review the earnings posted to your record on your Social Security Statement. To get your online Statement, go to my Social Security. We consider identity theft one of our major challenges. And we have joined in governmentwide efforts to prevent Social Security number misuse.
What is the last 4 digits of a Social Security number? ›The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.
What happens if I refuse to give my Social Security number? ›Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone's number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.
Is it normal to give out your Social Security number? ›You should be careful about sharing your number, even when you're asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it'll be used, and what will happen if you refuse. The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give out your Social Security number. How might someone steal your number?
Who actually needs your SSN? ›Employers may ask for your SSN for wage or tax purposes. Government tax or revenue agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies, and local government tax/revenue agencies. Government agencies for identification and benefits purposes.
Is it normal for a doctor's office to ask for your Social Security number? ›The answer isn't particularly endearing: Your doctor's office wants your Social Security number so it can better track you down if you don't pay your bill. But no, you don't legally have to provide it unless you are a Medicare or Medicaid recipient.
Can you refuse a SSN at birth? ›Getting an SSN for your newborn is voluntary, but may be necessary to obtain important services, such as those listed above, for your child.