How to Verify a Social Security Card Number
The U.S. Social Security Administration provides a Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) that employers can use to match employee names and social security numbers before submitting W-2 forms. Employers use the service to avoid costly errors that can result in fees and uncredited earnings for workers.
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Instructions
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Use the SSNVS only as it pertains to employees, which is a person who has accepted a job offer.
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Apply the use of the SSNVS consistently as a matter of company policy. Verify all newly hired workers, and not just a select few, or verify the social security numbers of all the employees in the database, not simply a random selection.
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Specify the use of SSNVS to third-parties who contract the administration of payroll or wage reporting of hired employees. Make sure that the third party understands the proper use of the SSNVS.
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Expect the Social Security Administration to report on all names and social security numbers submitted for verification. Follow up on any names that aren't a match to the social security numbers submitted.
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Investigate "no match" occurrences first as clerical errors. Understand that the "no match" report from the SSA is not a statement of immigration status.
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Tips & Warnings
Resist the temptation to use the SSNVS to verify the social security numbers of potential employers or contractors.
This service is not for credit checks, identity verification or other matters unrelated to specified verification of matching social security numbers with information reported on W2s.
No match status does not imply intentional wrongdoing and is not a basis for adverse action, such as termination or suspension.
