Do you really ever need your Social Security Card?

In My Humble Opinion
81

Here’s further info on what employers are not allowed to do:

Document abuse -

"Employers must not request

• more or different documents than are required to verify employment authorization and identity

• reject documents that reasonably appear to be genuine and relate to the employee

• specify certain documents over others based on an employee’s citizenship or immigration status, or national origin" - such as a Social Security card if the employee presents another List C document

Here’s a chart of the penalties for I-9 violations. Penalties for unlawful discrimination against an employment-authorized individual can go up to $16,000 per violation.

Here’s a list of settlements reached by the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices, many of which are with companies accused of document abuse.

82

Ok, great cites, so these are based upon discrimination based upon Immigration status.

83

No, they’re not. Take a peek. Some specifically state that employers are forbidden from requesting specific documents (such as a Social Security card). It’s equally illegal to request specific documents for I-9 purposes from a native-born or naturalized citizen.

84

I haven’t needed it for 40 years. Of course, where I live, it wouldn’t be much good anyway :slight_smile:

My bother was asked for his SSN when he was held by the border patrol on the suspicion of being black (he isn’t). The officer claimed to find it hard to believe that a 30yo American would not know his SSN. (Sheese-- I know most people are ignorant, but you’d think that perhaps an border patrol officer might have met non-residents before)

85

I went to your link and nowhere does it say “do not laminate your card”

nada, zip

86

I actually had this discussion with Mom today. She mentioned that she hasn’t had one for years and I went to the SSA website to find out how to get a replacement. Even on the SSA site it asks, “Do you really need a card?” What matters is that you know your SSN.

Replacing one requires mailing in a form and ORIGINAL documents to prove identity. A U.S. Passport, State-issued Driver’s License or State-issued ID will meet the requirement. But they want the ORIGINAL, not a copy, and they claim that they will return the original documents to you. I need my driver’s license every day and I don’t trust them to mail my Passport back to me. The only other option would be to appear in person at a Social Security Office with these items.

No thanks!

87

See post #71 by mack.