Yes. In the United States, employers may ask for your Social Security number (SSN) for purposes such as a background check, E-Verify, or payroll reporting—but you generally should not put it on a resume or ordinary job application. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that a request before you have even interviewed is probably a job scam. Whether a later request is appropriate depends on why the employer needs the number and how it is collecting it.
When an employer may ask for your SSN
The timing and purpose matter. A request to start payroll is different from a request to complete Form I-9, and neither is the same as a third-party background check. Ask which process the number is for before sharing it.
| Situation | What applies | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Resume or ordinary application | The FTC advises applicants not to put an SSN or banking information on a resume or application. | Leave the number off. If an application requires it, verify the employer independently and ask why it is needed now. |
| Before an interview | The FTC says a request before you even interview is probably a job scam. | Treat it as a warning sign. Do not send the number until you have independently confirmed the employer and the reason for the request. |
| Interview process or background check | An employer may ask for an SSN during the interview process to run a background check, according to the FTC. | Ask what check will be conducted and how to provide the number securely. |
| Form I-9 | An SSN generally is not required in Section 1 unless the employer uses E-Verify. | Do not assume an I-9 requires you to show your Social Security card. |
| E-Verify | An employee at an E-Verify employer must enter an SSN in Section 1. The employer does not need to see the Social Security card. | Provide the number for the E-Verify process, while retaining the right to choose acceptable I-9 documents. |
| Payroll and Form W-2 | The IRS says employers need each employee’s name and SSN to enter on Form W-2. | A payroll request after hiring has a distinct tax-reporting purpose. |
| Third-party background report | Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) procedures may apply when an employer obtains a report from a company that compiles reports. | Read the disclosure and authorization, and keep any notices if the employer may make a decision based on the report. |
FTC consumer guidance: Employer Background Checks and Your Rights.
How Form I-9 and E-Verify affect the request
Form I-9 verifies identity and authorization to work; it is separate from payroll reporting and a background check. USCIS says an employee generally is not required to provide an SSN in Form I-9 Section 1 unless the employer participates in E-Verify. If the employer uses E-Verify, the employee must enter the SSN in Section 1, but the employer does not need to inspect the Social Security card just to complete E-Verify.
#1 Best Overall
- High-Quality Materials: Protect your files with ENGPOW fireproof accordion file organizer.It is made of 3-layered non-itchy silicone-coated fiberglass which withstand the temperature up to 2200℉.It has passed the UL94 -V0/5VA flame retardant test.Fireproof File Folder is fireproof＆Water-resistant,which can effectively protect your important documents in a fire,flood,and wet weather. They will further keep your files intact.Giving you time to save your important documents when disaster strikes
- Accordion File Organizer: A Safe Enough Folder to Keep Your Files. Say goodbye to cluttered files and disorganization with ENGPOW's file organizer folders. Compared with other folders,our fireproof folders is allows you to neatly store and classify letter/A4 files, receipts, cards, USB drives, pen, passports and more in a safe and orderly way. Perfect for daily file filing and storage.The Non-dusty material can prevent dust from sticking to the outside of our folder,always keep it neat and tidy.
- Large Capacity: 14.2" x 10.4" x 2", Compared with other folders, our Accordian File Organizer adopts a multi-layer design that can meet all your storage needs.These include 13 accordion Pockets with labels(each expanding to 1.2 inches),1 zipper pocket,2 pen slot,6 card slots,4 small mesh bags,4 medium mesh bags,and 1 main pocket. You can securely store all your important documents and other items in this fireproof expanding file folder while effectively classifying and finding your files.
- Innovative Humanized Design: Design with a strong grab handle for carrying everything you needed easily. Featuring a double zipper for convenient opening and closing,you won't have to worry about losing any important documents. The included colorful labels make categorizing your files effortless. The fireproof file folder is suitable for business, travel, office, school, home storage, you can be 100% sure that your important documents are in a safe place.
- Trusted after sales service: In the event of an emergency, our fireproof accordion file organizer folders are lighter, easier to carry than fireproof safes and quick to grab and go. We only wish to present the best to customers,to protect your valuables.If there any quality problem, please feel free to let us know.We promise to arrange a REPLACEMENT or 100% REFUND immediately. Ready to respond within a 24 hour time,your suggestion has a great impact on the upgrade of our products.
Employees choose which acceptable document or combination of documents to present for I-9 verification. An employer may not demand a specific document or extra documents based on citizenship or national origin. If you choose to present your Social Security card as an acceptable I-9 document, the employer must inspect it as part of that choice.
See USCIS guidance on employee-provided information in Form I-9 Section 1 and national-origin and citizenship discrimination.
Rank #2
- Size: 13 x 10 x 0.7 inches. Fits A4 and letter-size paper, standard documents and filing needs.
- User-Friendly Features: Included sticker labels allow you to easily distinguish between different categories of files, maintaining neatness and enhancing productivity!
- Sleek and Portable: Designed to slip seamlessly into backpacks, laptop bags, or file cabinets, our lightweight folder keeps your documents tidy and accessible wherever you go.
- Built to Last: Crafted from polypropylene, our folders resist tears and deformation while remaining flexible. The secure snap closure offers easy access while keeping your papers securely in place.
- Versatile Utility: This folder isn't limited to organizing course papers for college students; it's perfect for storing business tax documents, recipes, important receipts, and more!
What a background-check request means
The FTC says employers may ask for an SSN during the interview process to run a background check. That does not make every later request legitimate: confirm the employer, the check’s purpose, and the submission method before providing sensitive information.
If the employer gets a background report from a company that compiles reports, the FCRA may require the employer to give you a disclosure and obtain your permission. If the employer may take adverse action based on the report, the law requires notices as part of that process. Read the documents and keep copies so you can review the report-related steps. The FTC also notes that state and local laws may affect what employers can ask and when. Federal equal-employment rules also prohibit unlawful discrimination in the conduct or use of background checks.
Rank #3
- Expanding file folder in Black with flap and cord closure for organizing and securing 8.5 x 11-inch letter-size documents
- Holds up to 260 sheets; 13 pockets for easy subdividing; each pocket expands to 7/8-inch
- Archival quality, acid free, and PVC free
- Waterproof and tear resistant
- Made of durable poly material
Sources: FTC guidance on background checks and applicant rights and the EEOC’s guidance on background checks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why payroll is a separate reason to collect it
For tax reporting, the IRS says employers must obtain each employee’s name and SSN and enter them on Form W-2. This payroll responsibility is separate from the employer’s Form I-9 obligation to verify identity and employment authorization. A request for payroll details after hiring should therefore be assessed as a tax-reporting request, not treated as proof that an SSN belongs on an application.
Rank #4
- Zipper Closure for True Security: Unlike folders using elastic bands that can let contents slip out, our expanding file folder features a dependable zipper closure, ensures everything stay safely secured inside, safe and sound. No more worries about losing small items.
- Sleek Design with Fresh Colors: 4 assorted pastels colored add a soft, delicate touch (purple, pink, sky blue, green). The black and gray hues present you a professional image. The tactile pattern exterior enhances and enriches the bright on trend colour-way.
- Unrivaled Durability: Say hello to an excellent all-rounder for secure and long-lasting storage. Made of PP tough shell (42% thickness upgraded) that endures daily handling and wear, and never tears. Acid-free, PVC-free. The metal zipper pull and reinforced edge construction offer reliable usage over time.
- Truly Large Capacity: 14 x 11.2 inches. Fit A4/letter size. This portable file organizer with expandable spine design is more stretchy to fit over 400 sheets without bulking up too much. Convenient size to carry around. Easily take your paperwork to a meeting or school.
- Monthly labels for Quick Retrieval: Customizable pastels stickers and 13 tabbed pockets allow you to sort by subject or task, bonus monthly labels increase its ease of locate and access.
See the IRS page on Form W-2 reporting requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Size: 13 x 10 x 0.7 inches. Fits A4 and letter-size paper, standard documents and filing needs.
- User-Friendly Features: Included sticker labels allow you to easily distinguish between different categories of files, maintaining neatness and enhancing productivity!
- Sleek and Portable: Designed to slip seamlessly into backpacks, laptop bags, or file cabinets, our lightweight folder keeps your documents tidy and accessible wherever you go.
- Built to Last: Crafted from polypropylene, our folders resist tears and deformation while remaining flexible. The secure snap closure offers easy access while keeping your papers securely in place.
- Versatile Utility: This folder isn't limited to organizing course papers for college students; it's perfect for storing business tax documents, recipes, important receipts, and more!
What to do if you are asked for your number
- Do not put your SSN on a resume or ordinary application. The FTC advises against including it or banking information there.
- If asked before an interview, pause. Verify the company using contact information you find independently, not only the details in the request.
- Ask what process requires the number. Find out whether the request is for a background check, E-Verify, or payroll, and when it must be submitted.
- Use a secure submission channel. If the request is legitimate, ask how to send the number securely rather than putting it in ordinary email or an application field without explanation.
- For a third-party background check, read the paperwork. Review the disclosure and authorization, and retain notices if the employer is considering an adverse decision.
- If asked for a particular I-9 document, state your document-choice rights. Employees may choose among acceptable documents; consult USCIS guidance if the employer insists on a specific one.
- Check local rules when the issue depends on location. The applicable rules may vary by state or city, and federal guidance does not cover every jurisdiction.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
