Use and collection of Social Security numbers

Each component will ensure that employees authorized to collect information are aware:

(a) That individuals may not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege because of refusing to provide their Social Security numbers, unless the collection is authorized either by a statute or by a regulation issued prior to 1975; and

(b) That individuals requested to provide their Social Security numbers must be informed of:

(1) Whether providing Social Security numbers is mandatory or voluntary;

(2) Any statutory or regulatory authority that authorizes the collection of Social Security numbers; and

(3) The uses that will be made of the numbers.

(c) Including Social Security numbers of an individual on any document sent by mail is not permitted unless the Secretary determines that the inclusion of the number on the document is necessary.