Effective November 4, 1998, the Social Security Administration (SSA) changed its existing policy of assigning new Social Security numbers (SSN) to victims of harassment, abuse, or life endangerment, including victims of domestic violence, to make it easier to obtain new SSNs. The change in policy was designed to make it easier for these individuals to elude their abusers and reduce the risk of further violence. Since its implementation, many questions and concerns have arisen about potential risks to individuals who may not be fully aware of the issues involved in obtaining a new Social Security number. This information alert will attempt to address those issues.

Potential Impact of Changing Identity/Social Security Numbers

BE AWARE: Changing the SSN should not be looked upon as the key to safety. Third-parties can cross-refer the new SSN with the old number, as allowed by their statutes, policies and procedures. In addition, the victim may experience less freedom to travel (due to lack of documents), which can raise potential safety issues.

REMEMBER: Getting a new Social Security number is only one part of a safety plan. It is recommended that when applying for a new Social Security number, the victim take evidence that shows a pro-active intent/plan to evade the abuser. This evidence may include a safety plan which includes making a name change, getting an unlisted telephone number, moving to another address, changing jobs.

Advise the victim that changing identity, including the SSN, is a life-altering decision. It is important to keep in mind the potential impact of these changes, such as:

• The inability to get a passport or other federal documentation due to the lack of having a birth certificate under the new identity.
• The loss of previous work history resulting in the victim having to accept positions for which he/she is overqualified or positions in which he/she has no experience.
• Difficulties or delays in receiving Federal/State benefits, such as welfare, disability, SSI.
• Difficulty trying to prove past abuse if past medical records and court papers are in a different name.

• Law enforcement agencies to investigate violation of Social Security Laws;
• Government agencies administering entitlement, heath and welfare programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, veterans benefits, military pension, and civil service annuities, black lung, housing student loans, railroad retirement benefits and food stamps;
• Internal Revenue Service for federal tax administration;
• Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service to identify and locate aliens in the U.S.;
• Selective Service System for draft registration;
• Department of Health and Human Services for child support enforcement purposes;
• State motor vehicles agencies that use the number in issuing drivers' licenses to verify the Social Security numbers, as authorized by the Social Security Act;
• Congressional representatives if they request information to answer questions you ask them.

• Make an appointment to be interviewed in person at an SSA field office by calling 1-800-772-1213 (voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) or go directly to an SSA field office for the in-person interview;
• If the SSA representative at the Social Security office is not aware of the current policy for assigning new SSNs in harassment, abuse, or life endangerment situations, refer the representative to Program Operations Manual System (POMS) chapter RM 00205. If there are any problems applying for the new SSN, ask to speak with a supervisor or the field office manager.
  
  If, after going through all of these steps, you are still experiencing difficulty with your local office, contact NCADV's Public Policy Office at 202-745-1211 or ncadv2@sprynet.com.
  
  
• Be prepared to complete a statement explaining the need for a new number and a Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card);
• Take evidence of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, such as a birth certificate and driver's license;
• If the client has a new name, take one or more documents identifying him/her by both the old name on SSA's records and the new names.
  
  

  A single document, such as a court order for a name change could be used to show both the old and new name.
  
  Two separate documents, such as a drivers license, employer ID card, passport, insurance policy, military record, divorce record, school ID card could be used to show the old and new names. (A birth certificate is not an identity document.)
  
  Take original documents or copies certified by the custodian of the record. Photocopies and notarized copies of documents are not acceptable.
  
  If your client wants new SSNs for his/her children, take evidence showing he/she has legal custody of those children. SSA will not assign one parent a new SSN to deny the other parent court-ordered visitation privileges or otherwise assist one parent from hiding the child from the other parent.
  
  The parent requesting the new SSN needs to consider whether a new SSN will help him/her elude the harasser/abuser if the harasser/abuser is the other parent with visitation rights.
  
  

• Take all evidence documenting the harassment/abuse. SSA will assist him/her in obtaining any additional corroborating evidence, if needed.
  
  The best evidence of abuse comes from third parties, such as police, medical facilities, or doctors, and describes the nature and extent of the domestic violence.
  
  Other evidence might include court restraining orders; letters from shelters; letters and/or affidavits from family members, friends, counselors, or others with knowledge of the domestic violence.

• Employers and financial institutions will likely need the SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other private businesses may need the SSN to do a credit check, such as when applying for a car loan. Sometimes, however, they simply want the SSN for general record keeping. It is not necessary to give a business the SSN just because they ask for it. However, a business may not provide the service or benefit if a SSN is not provided. These questions will help the individual decide whether sharing the SSN with the business is worth the service or benefit. If someone asks for the SSN, ask the following questions:
  
  • Why do you need my SSN?
  • How will my SSN be used?
  • What law requires me to give you my SSN?
  • What will happen if I don't give you my SSN?
  
  
  
• Before revealing any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared by others. Ask if there is a choice about the use of personal information: can it be kept confidential?
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless the contact was self-initiated or you know who you are dealing with.
• Keep items with personal information in a safe place. Tear or shred copies of credit applications or any documents that contain identity information before discarding them.
• Find out who has access to your personal information at work and verify that the record is kept in a secure location.
• Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Ask to use other types of identifiers when possible.
• Do not carry your SSN card; keep it in a secure place to prevent loss or theft.