Utility, phone, and cable companies typically demand your Social Security number in order to complete a credit check before activating service, as several readers pointed out in yesterday’s piece. You are not obligated to offer it, and they are not obligated to extend their services to you. One reader explains how he was able to turn on water, power, gas, and an AT&T land line without providing his Social Security number.
I ordered four utilities today without providing my Social Security number to any of them, the last of which being AT&T.
I politely requested that it not be given.
When the CSR asked for my Social Security number, I stated “I really don’t like handing out my Social Security number; is there any way I can acquire your product (the specific gas, electricity, or telephone service) without giving out my Social Security number?
The gas and electricity companies will take a deposit over four months, and after nine months of on-time payments, I will receive my money back.
When I contacted AT&T, I received the following response: “We’ll need it if you don’t pay and we need to track you down, and you’ll need it to give your Social Security number to acquire any utility. ‘I just got water, power, and gas TODAY without submitting my SSN,’ I countered. The CSR eventually gave in and asked for my date of birth. AT&T gave me a local service land line without asking for my Social Security number.
The bottom line: if you’re ready to put down a security deposit, some employers may accept it instead of your Social Security number. If the CSR refuses to bend, try calling again at a later time to see if you can find someone who is more willing to work with you.
Are you looking for more consumer news? Consumer Reports, our parent company, has the most up-to-date information on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.
Is it common for utilities to ask for your Social Security number?
You’ll need to apply for utilities if you’re moving into a new home and need to set up and pay for them. Companies typically look at how you’ve paid your bills in the past when you apply, including how you’ve paid utility bills where you’ve previously resided.
When applying for utilities, keep the following in mind:
- You’re filling out a credit application. At the end of each month, utility companies send you a bill based on how much gas, water, or electricity you use. That means they’re giving you a credit for their services till you pay.
- Your credit history will be scrutinized by employers. Utility providers, like other creditors, will want information such as your Social Security number in order to examine your credit history. You may find it easier to obtain services if you have an excellent credit history. It may be more difficult if you have a bad credit history.
- Your power bill payment history can affect your credit score. It can enhance your credit if you pay your bills in whole and on time. It could harm your credit if you don’t. Failure to pay on time can result in collections and charge-offs, both of which can harm your credit. Not paying on time can also impair your ability to obtain other types of credit. Understand Your Credit for additional information.
What should I put if I don’t have a Social Security number?
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you do not need to fill in any information in the Social Security Number section (it is not required). This field only applies to citizens of the United States.
Is Social Security requested by national grid?
Why do we need your SSN/TIN last four digits in addition to your account number? To protect your account information, we use your account number and the last four digits of your SSN (or your company’s TIN). The final four digits of your Social Security number do not appear on your power bill.
Is it true that utility costs have an impact on your credit?
Utility bills are number two. Although your energy or gas payment is not a loan, it can affect your credit score if you don’t pay it on time. While utility companies do not generally reveal a customer’s payment history, they will report delinquent accounts considerably more promptly than other businesses.
Is it true that Duke Energy requests your Social Security number?
To add an Authorized Person, the Customer of Record must have their Social Security number or other Personally Identifying Information on file. Each time the Authorized Person contacts Duke Energy, they will be prompted to authenticate the Customer of Record’s Social Security number or other Personally Identifying Information.
Is it possible for me to start working without a Social Security number?
To summarize, you’ll need a Social Security number in order to:
- Take advantage of Social Security.
- Obtain additional government perks
Your employer will ask for your Social Security number if you are a temporary worker in the United States.
To obtain a Social Security number, you must first obtain approval from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It’s crucial to note, however, that not all companies will ask for your Social Security number; instead, they may just ask for your driver’s license.
How Do I Apply for a Social Security Card?
If an employer requires a Social Security number and you are in the United States on a work or family visa, you can apply for one. It is completely free to apply for a Social Security card.
To get a Social Security number, you must do the following:
- Fill out an application for Social Security with the Social Security Administration.
- Please provide the following documentation to establish your identity, employment authorization, and age.
- Take your application to the Social Security office, along with any original documents that were asked.
Original documentation or copies certified by the issuing agency are required, according to the Social Security Administration. When applying for a Social Security card, they will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
They’ll have to confirm their documents’ authenticity because they’ll be presenting them to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Department of Homeland Security will require proof of your identity and immigration status.
How Long Will It Take for Me to Get My Social Security Number After Applying?
A Social Security number may take many weeks to arrive. Because the Social Security Administration must wait for the Department of Homeland Security to verify your documentation before providing you a Social Security number, the processing time varies. The Social Security Administration will mail your card after the Department of Homeland Security validates your information.
Can I Start Working While I Wait to Receive My Social Security Card?
Once you obtain your card, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will compel your employer to report your salary using your Social Security number. While you wait, have your employer seek a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you sought a number and that the employee is authorized to work in the US.
How Can I Obtain Work Authorization in the United States?
You can apply for an employment visa if you don’t have the necessary authorization to work in the United States. Depending on your needs, you can apply for a variety of visas:
Educational attainment
Our immigration lawyers in Dallas have a long history of assisting businesses and employees with visa applications. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you in achieving your goals.
Our team is here to help you every step of the way. To speak with one of our Dallas immigration lawyers, call today.
Is it legal for me to work with an ITIN?
An ITIN does not imply legal immigration status and cannot be used to establish legal residency in the United States. An ITIN cannot be used to prove work authorization on an I-9 form because it does not grant work authorisation.
What is the procedure for obtaining a Social Security number for a new immigrant?
Information about Social Security Numbers and Immigrant Visas As part of the immigration procedure, noncitizens can apply for Social Security number (SSN) cards. You can apply for an SSN card at the same time as your immigrant visa application with the US Department of State.
What is the procedure for changing my login on my Social Security account?
Select “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” on our my Social Security Sign In page. Follow the steps, and you’ll be back in business (Social Security business) in no time.
Is it true that utilities help establish credit?
Credit ratings can be improved in a variety of ways, but simply paying utility bills on time rarely makes a significant effect. While gas, electric, and water are frequent utility bills, the information is not submitted to credit bureaus and does not appear on a person’s credit report. Loans and credit cards, on the other hand, have a much greater impact on a person’s credit score, as does their repayment history.