What's a social security number?

The Social Security Administration was established to provide a minimal pension for all elderly Americans, beginning in 1935. Everyone who works and pays taxes in the United States has the amount of their earnings reported to the Social Security Administration. If you are employed, your employer withholds 6.2% of your gross income for Social Security (and 1.45% for Medicare, a health program for the elderly) and then contributes a matching amount. If you are self-employed, you owe 12.4% of your income for Social Security (2.9% for Medicare). Everyone is who is employed must have or obtain a Social Security Account Number (SSAN), usually just called a Social Security Number.

In fact, the 1935 Act which enabled Social Security provided that no one can require you to give your social security number, other than the Social Security administration or the Internal Revenue Service--and that you cannot be denied services or excluded from any form of commercial participation if you refuse to provide it. I don't care who it is, anyone who gives up their SSAN when they don't have to is a fool.

Sorry, i didn't quite answer your question. No, it cannot apply to you. In the portion of any form requesting the SSAN, simply put "n/a"--meaning "not applicable."

I read the second post first....my question is answered. Thanks for the quick response, Set.