After the recent IFCO immigration raids, companies have wondered what they can do to comply with laws prohibiting the hiring of illegal workers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a free verification service that employers can use to check the viability of social security data provided by new employees.
While the service is available to all employers and third-party submitters, it can only be used to verify current or former employees and only for wage reporting (Form W-2) purposes. Please note that the service helps identify incorrect Social Security data not detect identify theft.
The fastest option is for limited quantities. Up to ten names and social security numbers can be checked online. Results are provided immediately by the SSA. The other option allows batch processing of up to 250,000 names. This service normally provides search results the next government business day. This option is ideal if you want to verify an entire payroll data base or if you hire a large number of workers at a time.
The online service is faster and easier than other common ways to submit information. Getting the correct Social Security data on workers is important because faulty data could mean that the employee does not properly get credited for his contribution. This could affect his Social Security benefits in the future.
Credits to your employees’ earnings records are important in determining their future eligibility and payment of Social Security’s retirement, disability and survivor benefits. According to the SSA, it is illegal to use the service to screen potential employees. It can only be used for someone after the employee or contractor has been hired. Company policy concerning the use of the verification service should be applied consistently to all workers and not just to workers of a particular race.
Registration can be completed online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm
