1 The Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) National Payroll Reporting Forum June 2, 2005

2 What is SSNVS? Allows employers to verify the name and SSN of a hired employee with Social Security (SSA) over the Internet Cannot be used as part of the prehiring process Only tells you if name & Social Security number match SSA’s records Don’t use to take adverse actions against an employee Provides an indicator if Social Security number belongs to a deceased person

3 Two Methods for using SSNVS Direct keying onto SSA’s website –Key up to 10 names/SSNs with immediate results –Can key multiple screens Upload file –Can upload up to 250,000 SSNs per file –Next business day results

4 Steps for using SSNVS 1.Register for a PIN and Password 2.Get your activation code from your employer 3.Input activation code (once) to turn on SSNVS 4.Log into Business Services Online with your PIN and password 5.Use SSNVS to verify names and Social Security numbers 6.If a mismatch occurs take appropriate steps 7.If you can’t resolve mismatch ask employee to contact Social Security

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14 Registration Process Provide registration information (you and employer) Choose your own password Receive your PIN (Personal Identification Number) Choose your roles Letter to user (may have Activation Code) Letter to employer (may have Activation Code) * Employer gives Activation Code to User User inputs Activation Code(s) NEW

15 Select Your Password NEW

16 PIN Issued NEW

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18 Role(s) Request Processed SSA will Mail You More Information & Activation Code NEW Employee Employer

19 Activate A Role NEW

20 Overall Satisfaction with SSNVS 100% of users rated SSNVS EXCELLENT, VERY GOOD or GOOD 96% rated SSNVS EXCELLENT or VERY GOOD 90% rated SSNVS MUCH BETTER than other SSN verification services used 97% said the instructions were clear

21 Findings from onsite evaluations Company policies –Checked for Social Security cards –Asked to go to Social Security office to resolve issue –Given time to resolve issue –Dismissed if issue not resolved –In many cases employees voluntarily do not return to work Savings to the company –Training –Testing –Resolving mismatches earlier in the process

22 Fraud Detection and Prevention

23 Help! Website SSNVS Handbook Pamphlet Employer Reporting Branch (800) Employer Services Liaison Officers

24 Quotes from participating employers “It is much easier and saves time. Verification may be done continuously without having to make multiple phone calls due to limits on the number of verifications that may be made per call. Also, the ability to identify deceased persons has allowed us to make sure their beneficiaries are correctly identified and paid. This also has saved us time and made the forwarding of benefits to beneficiaries more efficient.” “I have been using the SSNVS pilot extensively and love the ease and speed. Prior to the pilot, the process was cumbersome and we did not regularly send files for verification. We now perform the process on a quarterly basis with an additional file created right before W- 2 processing begins.” “The system takes maybe 1 minute to enter and another minute to input required data and get a return of verification. We save about 1 hour of staff processing time, we save the cost of not getting a drug test, we save 8 weeks of dedicated training time. It saves the cost of fixing our personnel records in the name of a false person, which follows on into the SSA, IRS, DOL, and law enforcement.” “SSNVS enables us to maintain more accurate employee payroll data, while reducing the amount of time needed to do so.” “How do we feel about the service? Love it, quick easy to use, an invaluable resource- especially when we have internal keying errors. We work late at night, when the phone service is not available.”