SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS: Government Benefits from SSN Use but Could Provide Better Safeguards

Abstract

The Social Security number (SSN) was created in 1936 as a means to track workers earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits. Since that time, the number has been used for myriad non-Social Security purposes. Private sector use of the SSN has grown exponentially. For example, businesses may ask individuals to provide their SSNs when they apply for credit, seek medical or other insurance coverage, rent an apartment, or place an order for merchandise. In addition, many federal, state, and local government agencies also use the SSN. In some cases, these government agencies use SSNs as they administer their programs to deliver services or benefits to the public. Individuals who provide SSNs to receive these services and benefits may expect the SSNs to be considered confidential and thus protected from public disclosure. In other cases, government agencies serve as the repository for records or documents that are routinely made available to the public for inspection. These public records may contain SSNs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA402254

Entities

People

  • Barbara D. Bovbjerg

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biometric Security
  • Blood Donors
  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Congress
  • Databases
  • Employment
  • Families (Human)
  • Health Services
  • Information Security
  • Judiciary
  • Law
  • Local Governments
  • National Governments
  • Personnel Management
  • State Governments
  • United States

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  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies