Jason Hommel
General delivery
Homewood, Ca 96141

This is in response to your letter to our Department regarding the State of California's policy/authority regarding the providing of a Social Security Account Number (SSAN) by an individual seeking employment.  You asked three specific questions, our response is as follows:

1.  The Employment Development Department would not penalize an employer who makes a good faith effort to obtain a true Social Security number from an employee.  There are various things that an employer could provide to show that he made a good faith attempt, including the fact that they have secured Social Security Account numbers for all their workers except one.

2.  The Employment Development does not set the hiring practices of private businesses.

3.  Again, the Employment Development does not set the hiring practices of private businesses.

If you believe that an employer has violated your rights in the hiring process, you should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (1-800-669-4000).  You should also contact the Social Security Administration regarding the requirements for obtaining a social Security Account Number (1-800-772-1213).

(Marty signed his name here)
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Marty Kashevaroff
Chief, Audit Section
Field Audit and Compliance Division, Tax Branch
Employment Development Department
(916) 464-2500