I wouldn’t say most, most will just ask for your SSN. They absolutely do not need the card for any reason whatsoever.
Most employers will request the original copy to make their own copies from as part of any onboarding process. Just knowing the numbers isn’t enough.
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
blitzen@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
A social security card is among the documents required when getting a job. It’s not specifically mandatory, but a document that proves employment eligibility is, and a social security card meets that requirement.
So you can be on your high horse, but if you won’t provide your social security card you’re gonna need something else that meets the resident, like passport or birth certificate.
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
The employer can view a social security card or birth certificate, but they DO NOT need to retain a copy of it. And you can provide a number of documents in place of a social security card. It is absolutely not legal to require a social security card for work eligibility, it’s simply one of the options an employee may present.
I have worked many jobs legally in the U.S, several of which required extensive background checking and identity verification. Never once have I been required to present a social security card.
blitzen@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
We’re splitting hairs here. It is a legal requirement to provide work elibility. If you provide a passport, or if you provide an ID and birth certificate, that sufficies. But many people choose ID and social security card. And yes, employers keep copies of work eligibility on file.
So I guess my question is, is your objection really to the act of asking for a lightweight cardboard card?
bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
When I onboard people, I’m required to see proof of identity and proof of authorization to work in the US, as well as make copies for INS audit purposes. A passport covers both of those requirements, but for people that do not have a passport, a DL and a social security card are the most common, followed by a DL and birth certificate. One is a photo ID from an official source, the other shows either US citizenship or something saying you’re allowed to work as a non citizen (aka a green card).
EncryptKeeper@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
You’re required to see proof of identity and authorization to work, however you are NOT required to see the social security card specifically, nor are you legally allowed to require it of your prospective employees. And even if they do bring their social security card for you to verify, you are NOT required to make your own copy of it unless you’re reviewing it remotely.
bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
It sounds like some employers/HR outfits are just grossly misinformed then. The I9 form directions are pretty clear in what is required and/or acceptable, and this documentation is only required for I9 purposes, other than a DL for a driving related job. Companies are not necessarily required to have copies of the I9 identity documents used on file, but it is good practice in case of an audit, which is why most companies do it (a CYA basically). In theory, if someone reports a company because they suspect they’re employing people unauthorized to work in the US, providing copies of the documents you used for the I9 verification shows that your did your due diligence and they’re more likely to leave you alone.
GlendatheGayWitch@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Really? I’ve only had one job that required my social security card. I’ve worked in multiple school districts, as well as food and hospitality jobs and only 1 of the school districts wanted to see my social security card.
roguetrick@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Usually a birth certificate will suffice if you don’t have one. They have to verify they can legally employ you. I didn’t have my social for awhile and used my birth certificate. Became a problem when Puerto Rico invalidated all birth certificates though for a time. Had one idiot say they couldn’t accept a PR birth certificate for citizenship once though.
Gingerlegs@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
Yep, my job now was not going to let me work until I brought it in. Had to drive 5 hours in one night lol
CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 weeks ago
drzoidberg@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
I have my paper one in a safety deposit box, with my original birth certificate. I carry around a useless laminated copy for normal BS.
And yes, I say useless laminated, because for some dumb fucking reason, the US issues paper social security cards, and cannot be used officially if you do so. No government agency will accept it, because they expect a piece of paper to last 70+ years like dumb fucks.
Fondots@lemmy.world 4 weeks ago
My understanding (and it’s very possible that this is just urban legend) is that they’re intentionally made of paper so if they do get lost they’re more likely to fall apart instead of getting stolen.
They’re not really intended to be something you carry around with you all the time, it’s not like you’re usually going to be expected to produce on the spot during your daily routine. It’s more the sort of thing you’d keep at home with your birth certificate and other such personal documents.
IMO the real boneheaded move was making it a wallet-sized card instead of something more like a birth certificate. If you make something in that form factor, people are going to stick it in their wallets and carry it around with them and it’s going to fall apart.
arrow74@lemm.ee 4 weeks ago
Not yet anyway
floo@retrolemmy.com 4 weeks ago
Originally, they didn’t expect them to last 70+ years. It’s just that the law hasn’t been updated as life expectancy and technology have.