SSN Policy Manual

Rescind your Social Security Number

withdraw an application for various social security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration's Social Security Handbook: s1515. Right to withdraw application. An application may be withdrawn if a written request for withdrawal is filed before SSA makes a determination on it and the request is filed by the claimant or a person acting on his or her behalf and the claimant is alive at the time the request is filed. An application may also be withdrawn after SSA makes a determination on a claim if the conditions in the above paragraph are met and if (1) all individuals whose entitlement would be nullified by the withdrawal consent in writing to the withdrawal and (2) all affected individuals repay any benefits received based upon entitlement which is nullified by the withdrawal. Though a person withdraws a claim, SSA retains possession of the application form and all related papers. After the claimant's death, an application may be withdrawn regardless of whether SSA has made a determination on it if (1) the application was for retirement benefits that would be reduced because of the claimant's age; (2) the claimant died before SSA certified his or her benefit entitlement to the Treasury Department for payment; (3) a written request for withdrawal is filed by or for the person eligible for widow(er)'s benefits based on the claimant's earnings; and (4) the conditions in (1) and (2) of the above paragraph are met. Ordinarily, the effective date of the withdrawal is the day the request is received; however, the mailing date, as shown by the U.S. postmark, may be used if it is advantageous to the claimant. (There is no right to reconsideration or appeal based on a withdrawn claim.) A new application will have to be filed if the person later wishes to claim benefits. If SSA approves a request to withdraw an application, the application will be considered as though it was never filed. If SSA disapproves a request for withdrawal, the application is treated as though the request was never filed. A request to withdraw may be cancelled and the application reinstated if a written request is filed at a proper place (see § I 505), and the claimant is alive at the time the request for cancellation is filed. For a cancellation request received after SSA approved the withdrawal, the request must be filed no later than 60 days after the date of the notice of approval. To withdraw from medical insurance after a period of entitlement, see Chapter 24. According to their method, you should take the following steps to rescind your social security number: Step 1. Go to the SSA Office and ask for the SS-521 Application to withdraw from a benefit. Step 2. Fill out the SS-521 form and make 2 copies and go to the SS office; turn in one copy to SSA. Ask the clerk to stamp your copy. Include a copy of the OMB-83 form. Step 3. Write a short letter to your Congressman telling him what you have done and ask

him to write to the SSA Congressional Liaison at the Social Security Administration Office of Public Information, to ask them to expedite approval of your request to rescind you number. You also want your Congressman to be sure to tell SSA that you will need a "To Whom it May Concern Letter" that you no longer have a SSN and do not need one to conduct your day to day business activities. You will give this letter to your employer and anyone else who might challenge your not having an SSN.

We included a copy of the SS-521 and the OMB-83 for your convenience. We sincerely hope that you haven't been scammed by some of the groups who charge exorbitant prices for that kind of information.