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Comment by what_ever | Hacker News Reader

Does the system not ask for SSN to pull this data? If yes, how did Google get your SSN?

Disc: Googler.

At the very least you need to provide proof of your SSN before you start employment in the US (as a US citizen at least). This is required for your social security benefits and some tax info. I believe in most states you actually have to physically show your social security card on the first day of employment now too.

I think you are thinking of form I-9, which is federally required. SS Card is one of may accepted forms of ID, I always use my passport instead.

> SS Card is one of may accepted forms of ID

Are those still as I remember them - with no biometric information (like a photo) and basically no security features?

It’s not intended to be a secure ID. It’s meant to be the number by which you claim your social security benefits. It’s just warped into this ungodly mess because people use it as a “secure” number.

Yeah I had to get a replacement a couple months ago and it's the exact same flimsy little cardstock card as we've always had.

That form also requires your SSN (or equivalent ITIN for non-citizens).

Using your passport doesn't obviate the requirement that they have your SSN or ITIN for the IRS.

The SSN card proves your eligibility to work, they still need to verify your ID separately (DL, voter card, etc.). They need both pieces. A passport counts as both.

They need your SSN. Not specifically your SSN card. Source: lost my SSN card ages ago.

Correct, if you have a passport or other eligible documents that attest your right to work. Your SSN card counts as one of the eligible forms of attesting your right to work but not your ID.

Which is I think what I said. They still need your SSN, just not the card itself.

I provided that on the day I started. Not when I accepted my offer.

Pretty sure Google needs your SSN to be employed at the company. Whole I-9 form, withholding taxes, giving you a W2 and all that jazz...

When you start. From reading the GP's comment I felt this was done before they started.

Google asks for SSN for background checks and whatnot.

I guess. I always thought b/g checks are done via third party but I don't recall being asked for SSN during that step. It's been a while so I guess I am not remembering right. Thanks.

You're definitely asked for a social security number for a background check because it allows for more accurate data. You want to pull the background for the correct person, after all.

SSN and proof of citizenship are required for all US companies to employ someone. It's not just background checks.

IIRC Google requests SSN data for all applicants ahead of interview.

Nope. Didn't in my case.

If you work in the US you should be getting a W2 from Google in a month or two. The top left corner will contain your SSN or it's an invalid W2 because the IRS won't be able to verify this is your W2 when you submit it with your tax return.

There are exceptions to this. For example, the W2 can state "Applied for" instead of having a number.

Yes, as I said from the other comment, I provided that when I started. From GP's comment, I thought they are saying they had to provide the SSN before they started.

LOL. Google knows your SSN. They know everybody's SSN.

That's a good point, I wonder how many people googled their SSN or just typed it in the chrome URL bar

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