SSN Policy Manual

The Voluntary Nature of the Social Security Number

Excerpt . . . (ii) The System Manager may release records to the individual's representative ... the System Manager may require whatever identifying information is needed to locate the record; i.e., name, social security number, date of birth. . . . An individual will not be denied access to his record for refusing to disclose his social security number unless disclosure is required by statute or by regulation adopted before 1 January 1975. .. . (b) Soliciting the social security number. ( I ) It is unlawful for any Federal, State, or local government agency to deny an individual a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because the individual refuses to provide the social security number (SSN). However, this prohibition does not apply . .. .. . (5) It is unlawful for any Federal, state, or local government agency to deny an individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because the individual refuses to provide his or her social security number (SSN). .. . .. . Nor can an individual be denied access solely because helshe refused to provide hislher social security for access by statute or regulation adopted prior to January 1, 1975 ... . .. (c) Soliciting the social security number (SSN). (1) It is unlawful for any Federal, State, or local government agency to deny an individual a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because the individual refuses to provide his or her SSN. .. . however, it does not make it mandatory for individuals to provide their SSNs. (a) Do not deny people a legal right, benefit, or privilege for refusing to give their SSNs unless . . . (c) Executive 3rder 9397, November 22, 1943, authorizes using the SSN as a personal identifier. This order is not adequate authority to collect an SSN to create a record. When law does not require disclosing the SSN or when the system 2f records was created after January I, 1975, you may ask for the SSN, but the individual does not have to disclose it. If the individual refuses to respond, use alternative means of identifying records. . . .

Title Procedures and responsibilities.

Code 32 CFR 316.6

General considerations.

32 CFR 31 7.20

Procedures.

32 CFR 323.5

Individual rights of xcess and amendment.

32 CFR 505.2

2ollecting information 3bout individuals.

32 CFR 701.108

3equesting the Social Security Number (SSN).

32 CFR 806b.9