Social Security Numbers during Application Process

More and more the question "when filling out a job application, should I give my Social Security Number?" is being asked by job applicants.

When the first Social Security Numbers were assigned in 1936, they were originally designed to keep track of an individuals earnings. Over the years the emphasis has moved from a means of record-keeping to identification. The Social Security Number is a unique identifier and the most vital piece of private information an individual has. With identity theft becoming a prevalent crime, individuals are hesitant in releasing this piece of information.

From my perspective, an employer has no need for this information during the application process. Yes, this information will be necessary later to confirm that the individual is legally employable within the U.S., or for processing payroll, or benefits. But, a conditional offer of employment should occur prior to obtaining this information. You may think that this information is necessary for a background check, but background checks generally do not require a Social Security Number. The full name and address of the candidate/employee sufficiently identifies the individual uniquely for all but the most intrusive background checks. (Realistically, no background check should be conducted until both parties show mutual interest and a conditional offer has been made.)

Employers, once you have the information, you must safeguard it. Any individual with access to HR data shares the responsibility for the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information. With all the laws regarding applicant information security, do you really want to be responsible for guarding this information?

Asking for such sensitive information as a Social Security Number isn't an isolated incident. Recently I reviewed a questionnaire from a U.K. based organization that was in use here in Houston. The questionnaire asked for information such as "Date of Birth, Sex, Marital Status, How Old Are You and my personal favorite, Do You Have Any Disabilities or Long Term Medical Problems?" While it's illegal to ask about disabilities on job applications, there is no ban on asking for the Social Security Number or the applicants age. However, having information such as the applicants age may make it more difficult for an employer to fight an age discrimination suit, should the rejected applicant pursue such claims.