SSN Cards

[Melgamatic 66]

Not wanting to kick someone when they're down, I wanted to ask this question in a separate thread.

 

Is there any reason for a Social Security card, ever? I don't think I even have one, and I've certainly never carried it around. They're not supposed to be valid ID, so why would you ever need one?

 

I've opened up every kind of account, every kind of financial transaction, lots of different government ID's and cards, etc, but never needed an SSN card.

 

So, when do you need one?

 

Again, the other thread made me think about this, and I don't want to kick anyone when they're down, but it got me curious!

[Maksim 1,504]

For some financial transactions, we do require one, at least a copy, in conjunction with an ID. Mostly for tax docs, and legal docs.

 

Lets put it this way... the financial institutions are supposed to ask for a copy.

[hd2000fxdl 422]

I don't carry mine but each year when I need to update my Port Authority ID for the Airport I need it to get my ID issued, Not sure where else I have needed it but for people who don't have a passport you can use that for I think 2 points at the DMV (MVC now) for your drivers license here in NJ.

 

Harry

[Melgamatic 66]

For some financial transactions, we do require one, at least a copy, in conjunction with an ID. Mostly for tax docs, and legal docs.

 

Lets put it this way... the financial institutions are supposed to ask for a copy.

 

I don't think that's really true. I have many brokerage accounts, hedge fund accounts, weird transactional accounts, all requiring Know Your Customer paperwork, and no one has ever asked for an SSN card. I've closed on at least two mortgages in the past year or two, opened and closed accounts, etc. In fact, I've developed Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering systems and SSN cards haven't played any roles.

 

For the 6-point NJ Driver License scheme, SSN cards are down in the 1-point category....

 

Can you quote some SEC or other regulations I can read?

[Maksim 1,504]

They were part of our internal KYC rules. =)

[Melgamatic 66]

The one thing I haven't done in a very long time is to open a normal bank savings/checking account.

 

So, other people have these cards somewhere? I'm not even sure I have a card!

[71ragtopgoat 23]

I need it when I sign up for a new job. Which being in construction is sadly very often these days.

[Wavecaster 22]

you dont always need the card but you need the number often enough. i have not yet memorized it. i get 2 numbers switched all the time even when i go "o yea its THIS order.." ill still be unsure of myself so i always carry a copy on me. not the original card though.

[bry@n 195]

I don't carry mine but each year when I need to update my Port Authority ID for the Airport I need it to get my ID issued, Not sure where else I have needed it but for people who don't have a passport you can use that for I think 2 points at the DMV (MVC now) for your drivers license here in NJ.

 

Harry

 

I never use my SSN card for my EWR id. I just fill the form out and get a letter for my escort priv. that's it.

[average joe 5]

Jobs, bank accounts, unemployment, off the top of my head....I'm sure there are many more...

[djg0770 481]

Employers are supposed to get a copy of your SSN card. It's part of the eVerify program. It's OFTEN required by construction companies as 71ragtop mentioned.

[Melgamatic 66]

Jobs, bank accounts, unemployment, off the top of my head....I'm sure there are many more...

 

Have gotten them all, never produced an SSN card. Produced the number many times, and some other documents like passports and driver licenses....

[Melgamatic 66]

Employers are supposed to get a copy of your SSN card. It's part of the eVerify program.

 

The number is required by eVerify, the card is absolutely not. I've been eVerified a couple of times lately....

[9thMarines 44]

When you get to be an old fart...your Medicare ID number IS your SS #.

[223lover 9]

I had the same thoughts so I recently contacted them when I lost my social security card. The following is dirctly from the Social Security website. Just sayin'

 

Why do I need one?

You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government services. But you don't often need to show your Social Security card. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.

[Jon 264]

My wife needs to get a new ss card bearing her new last name in order to have her work ID(hospital) changed to reflect the name change.

[Turboprop21 12]

I never use my SSN card for my EWR id. I just fill the form out and get a letter for my escort priv. that's it.

 

EWR is cake to get the badge for. Its night & day at JFK. Those guys will give you the 3rd degree for laminating your SSN card.

[Springfield1911 22]

Every job I have had always asked for the SSN card and made a copy of it. I think the employers have to verify your legal to work in the USA nowadays. The second piece of ID always asked by employers is your driver's license.

[Malsua 1,422]

Why in the world would you need to show your SSN card anyway?

 

It's a piece of paper with a number and a name stamped on it. I could easily recreate the thing.

 

It should have never risen to the level of "American Human Serial Number" that it has now achieved.

[PeteF 1,044]

It's a piece of paper with a number and a name stamped on it. I could easily recreate the thing.

 

You can say the same thing about a FPID card. And they exist for the same reason, because they can.

[hd2000fxdl 422]

I never use my SSN card for my EWR id. I just fill the form out and get a letter for my escort priv. that's it.

 

I don't remember if I need it back in the 80's or 90's for my PA ID but post 911 and after electronic finger printing started here I have needed my SS card, also sucks that they are only good for 12 months rather than the 18 months that they were before, the only thing I do different than a lot of other is I skip my Customs Seal, never saw a need for it being I can't display an ID over there if I am traveling, and actually it's against the LAW to bring a PA ID out of the country anyway but I do keep my EV Priv.

 

Harry

[Malsua 1,422]

You can say the same thing about a FPID card. And they exist for the same reason, because they can.

 

I don't agree, the FPID is different because even though it's never checked, there is a fingerprint on the FPID. That is a unique biometric that can be checked against a database.

 

Your SSN could be from a dead person, or it could shared by 50 different illegals. There's nothing on the SSN to prevent fraud whatsoever.

[mipafox 438]

I know I needed one to join the military because my recruiter took me to get it. I think I've had employers copy it, but it's been a while.

[Babyface Finster 45]

I needed mine to start the new job I took in August. Part of the eVerify system. There were some other options like the DMV ID requirements, but I don't have things like a Resident Alien card so SS card worked for me.

 

I'm not saying it is actually a legal requirement, but my company INSISTED on one of these forms of ID. Not exactly something I want to have an argument about. I'd say it is a very good idea to have one, keep it in a safe deposit box and if you ever need it you have it.

 

BTW, I've had the same card since I was 16 years old and had it laminated back then. This is probably why I still have it. I just recently noticed that it says right on the card not to laminate. No one has ever said anything but I wonder if it does anything to the validity.

[this_is_nascar 162]

Not wanting to kick someone when they're down, I wanted to ask this question in a separate thread.

 

Is there any reason for a Social Security card, ever? I don't think I even have one, and I've certainly never carried it around. They're not supposed to be valid ID, so why would you ever need one?

 

I've opened up every kind of account, every kind of financial transaction, lots of different government ID's and cards, etc, but never needed an SSN card.

 

So, when do you need one?

 

Again, the other thread made me think about this, and I don't want to kick anyone when they're down, but it got me curious!

 

I'm not sure if your post is a joke or not. Have you ever held a job that wasn't paying under-the-table? Have you ever filed income taxes? Have you ever opened a bank account? Have you ever purchased anything that required financing and a credit check to be done? I could go on and on and on. Are you really being serious in asking this question? I do, however, agree that no one should ever carry the SS card with them on a regular basis.

 

 

Edit: OK, I've read this over again. Are you referring to the validity of the physical card itself as opposed to an actual SS number? I think that's what you're getting at. You're not questioning whether a SS number is required, but the actual card itself. I appologize for coming off like I did, if that's the case. To answer you're question, I don't think I've ever had anyone ask for me for my actual SS card.

[PK90 3,570]

I also can not remember the last time I presented the card for anything.

[mipafox 438]

I'm not sure if your post is a joke or not. Have you ever held a job that wasn't paying under-the-table? Have you ever filed income taxes? Have you ever opened a bank account? Have you ever purchased anything that required financing and a credit check to be done? I could go on and on and on. Are you really being serious in asking this question? I do, however, agree that no one should ever carry the SS card with them on a regular basis.

 

I've done all of the things I underlined above many times each. And never used a Social Security card for any of them even once.

[bry@n 195]

I don't remember if I need it back in the 80's or 90's for my PA ID but post 911 and after electronic finger printing started here I have needed my SS card, also sucks that they are only good for 12 months rather than the 18 months that they were before, the only thing I do different than a lot of other is I skip my Customs Seal, never saw a need for it being I can't display an ID over there if I am traveling, and actually it's against the LAW to bring a PA ID out of the country anyway but I do keep my EV Priv.

 

Harry

 

I actually needed a customs seal at one point but since they moved their offices away from the ramp, I don't need it. What a pita.

[Melgamatic 66]

I'm not sure if your post is a joke or not. Have you ever held a job that wasn't paying under-the-table?

 

Yes, I am a very senior manager at one of the largest financial institutions in the world (a good, solid one). I not only have normal employment, but am a registered SEC rep, have had clearances at previous research jobs, etc.

 

Your second paragraph is correct. You certainly need a valid SS number. My point is that you don't need the SSN card, and the conversation was started because another thread was about a poor guy who had his wallet stolen with his SSN card. I postulated that the card itself was unnecessary.

 

-Dave

[JackDaWack 2,895]

I've used mine plenty of times for jobs and the dmv, it is an federal document/ID.

 

When ever you have to verify your identity for the state or government they require you to present a number of credentials based on a point system. I can give a number of instances the card saved my a** and got me to the required points needed.