Clinton County
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Balance the responsibilities of everyday living with research-based programs and information from University of Missouri Extension for people, professionals and communities.
What Should You Do When Someone Wants Your
Social Security Number?
With the increase in identity theft, more attention is being focused on the use of SS#.
Many people do not realize the importance of SS# and what can happen when their number gets into the wrong hands.
Do you know when you are required to give someone your SS#?
Think of it this way…your SS# is your personal property. If a friend asks to borrow your car, don’t you want to know how it will be used? It is the same with your SS#. Remember, giving your number is voluntary…just like letting someone borrow your car.
Before you give your number, you should ask:
· why your number is needed,
· if giving your number is mandatory or voluntary,
· how your number will be used,
· what happens if you refuse, and
· what law requires you to give your number.
The answer to these questions can help you decide.
You will need to use your # when you do business with SS.
Did you know that more than 400 million SS# have been assigned since 1936, and that many people have the same name?
SS will ask you for your full name and SS#.
They need your number because they:
· keep their records based on each person’s SS#, and
· use your # to look up the information they have on you—record of your earnings, a record of the benefits they pay you, and other personal information about you such as medical records.
You need to give your SS# to your employer so they can submit a report of how much you earn. Sometimes they find that the # and name of the employee do not match. They cannot give you credit for the money earned. A letter is sent to the employer. Sometimes the numbers are reversed or the name misspelled.
What happens when other people ask for your SS#?
Local Resources
-
Families Work - A Harrison County based newsletter for families with children
- List of web sites for families
Resources for Northwest Missouri Families
- Northwest Missouri Extension News You Can Use (Regional Newsletter)
- Focus on Kids is an educational program for divorcing parents. It is facilitated by University of Missouri Extension staff with the cooperation of the circuit courts of Missouri. More than half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce and the majority of divorces involve children. Divorce is a process that often begins long before any legal action is taken that may last for years, especially if children are involved and sometimes the conflict between parents is associated with negative outcomes for children.
Missouri-wide Family Life Resources
Missouri
Families brings you practical
information and learning opportunities
on health, nutrition, parenting,
aging, personal finance, housing, consumer
action, divorce
and more.
You can sign up for MissouriFamilies' e-newsletter.
Missouri
Saves is part of the national campaign, America Saves. The
goal of America Saves is to encourage Americans to save and build
wealth, not debt. Through information, advice, and encouragement, we
assist those who wish to pay down debt, build an emergency fund,
save for a home, save for an education, or save for retirement.
- University of Missouri Extension Family Life main page
- Extension Publications Search for information on family life
Links to Other Resources
Note: Links to commercial websites do not imply endorsement.
