Most Frequently Asked Question: Is It Legal for Employers to Ask for Job Applicant’s Social Security Number?

Due to the disturbing news that broke regarding the compromised Social Security numbers of several big personalities including the U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama just a week ago, common questions about safeguarding one’s Social Security number are currently taking the center stage.

These past few days, people have increasingly asked questions specifically about the privacy of their personal information during job applications that are usually kept by potential employers.

Generally, a lot of employers nowadays ask for job applicants to provide their social security information along with other personal information for background checking purposes before proceeding to an interview and hiring process. Since most of the U.S. states do not have comprehensive laws on what information can only be requested from applicants during application, Social Security number leakages are expected to continue

Consequently, a Los Angeles disability lawyer finally clears the ambiguity behind commonly asked question on personal information confidentiality. In his statement, he clarifies that although there is no law that prohibits private employers or companies from asking for applicants’ Social Security or driver’s license number, applicants on the other hand have the right to decline such private information requests. However, the sad part here is that most employers prevent an applicant from moving to the next level of hiring process if such info were not provided.

If you really have no provide your personal information, the best way to do that is to carefully check out the companies where you intent to submit it. Nevertheless, always keep in mind that you always have a choice whether to disclose it or not to anyone suspicious, noted by the experts.

Big Celebrities’ Social Security Numbers Exposed Online by Hackers

Social Security number is a very valuable asset to every American. Because of its importance, it is a staple target of identity thieves and scam artists.. As it is, SS number holders and the federal and state governments are exerting their best efforts to protect the same from hackers.

Unfortunately, despite the meticulous security measures observed by everyone, hackers still prevail. Recent reports confirmed that several famous celebrities’ SS numbers were published in a mystery website.

Reports said that celebrities and politicians were the targeted by the credit card number and SS number leaks online. Some of the big names that were tagged in the leak include U.S. First Lady, Michelle Obama, the New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, Microsoft Founder, Bill Gates, Mitt Romney, Tiger Woods, Kim Kardashians, Beyonce and R. Kelly.

As of the press time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting an investigation to determine who is behind the mystery website, which is still up and has been busy in its constant update until present.  

The authorities suspect that the personal information was obtained from the three credit reporting companies – The Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. However, the latter denied that their systems were hacked or compromised during a brief interview.

In an article published by Microsoft with regards to the leaked information, it discourages users to visit the said website. The software-giant claimed that visiting the mysterious website might put your computer at risk of malware infection. Also, in a way, it is like you are encouraging the illegal private information disclosure.

Moreover, authorities speculate that hackers plan to use the stolen data to successfully impersonate their targets and access its credit histories.

Unfortunately, identity fraud is very prevalent nowadays. It is often done by stealing someone’s personal information like credit card accounts, phone numbers and Social Security number. Therefore, a series of bill regarding such personal information’s disclosure were recently introduced by each state, shared by a Los Angeles permanent disability lawyer.

Understanding the Distinction between Supplemental Security Income and Disability Benefits

Most often, we are confused with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) since both are colloquially referred to as “Social Security” only.

Generally, SSI and SSDI are two different Social Security programs. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that both are the same.

Apparently, the two programs actually differ on several aspects like required age, medical condition, application process, the money that a wage earner can expect to receive and the members who can be eligible to collect benefits.

For the benefit of members of the said federal programs, a Los Angeles SSI lawyer provided a brief and clear distinction of the two. See below how the said programs differ from each other.

ELIGIBILITY

From this category, you can easily understand the difference of the two programs. Basically, the Social Security Income is available for adults who are 65-years-old and older, for the blind and/or disabled. A claimant must prove that he or she has only a limited income and resources to be eligible for the program. That means that his or her savings would not be greater that $2,000.00 for singles while for married individuals, their savings should not go beyond $3,000.00. Also, the income of a claimant’s spouse would be considered when determining eligibility.

Meanwhile, Social Security Disability Insurance is available for individuals who have physical or mental impairments that hinder them from working for a year or more. To be eligible for the program, a claimant must have worked. In this program, a claimant must have 40 credits to qualify for the benefits. A worker can earn one credit in every $1,130.00 of his or her earnings. Usually, a wage earner can collect up to credits per year. Therefore, it takes a decade or more before a claimant may complete the required number of credits in able to collect the benefits.

FUNDING

While the SSI is being funded by the tax payers, the SSDI is being funded by the wage earners themselves. The federal government is funding SSI through personal income taxes, corporate taxes and others. On the other hand, the SSDI is being financially supported through the wage earners’ payroll or the so called FICA tax which the employees pay to the pay to the government.

BENEFIT AMOUNTS

As of January, 2012, the maximum amount of federal benefit that a single individual may receive under the SSI program is $698.00 and $1,048.00 for married claimants.

Under the SSDI program, the benefit that a claimant can received depends on his or her work earnings. Usually, they receive a maximum of about $2,300.00 per month.

CLAIMING PROCESS

When applying for SSI, an applicant must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). Within 60 days following the call, a claimant must make an appointment to eventually file a formal application. A claimant for the SSI does not need to wait for a certain period of time for the benefits.

Unfortunately, unlike the SSI, applying for SSDI involves very complex processes. Along with the formal application, a claimant must also include medical records and treatment dates from a physician, lab results, and other details about his or her medical providers and employment in the last 15 years. In addition, a claimant has to wait for a period of 5 months for the claim.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Once a claimant has been approved for SSI benefits, he or she will immediately receive Medicaid Benefits. However, an approved claimant of SSDI must receive 24 payments first before becoming eligible to receive Medicare.

DEPENDENTS

In SSI, only the recipients can receive the payments. In SSDI, aside from the recipients, their spouse and children can also receive at least partial dependent benefits.