Posted by The Free Marketeer on September 15, 1997 at 05:41:49:
"The Social Security Administration does not require that you have a Social Security number. We can issue a number to you only if you submit an application showing identifying information and if you submit evidence of age, identity and citizenship.
"The Social Security number you received was assigned to you on the basis of a valid application and supporting evidence, and we cannot void the record. Even though we cannot void your record, we have destroyed the Social Security card which you returned to us, and we will not release information about your number without your consent.
"Your Social Security number and record will not be used at all unless you yourself activate it for employment or other purposes.
"When a person is assigned a Social Security number, the primary purpose of the number is to record that person's earnings. Once a number is assigned, the Social Security Administration has no control over who might request a person to provide their number. Neither does the Social Security Administration have the authority to require an organization to provide or deny service to anyone who refuses to disclose their number.
"You should request present and future employers to enter the phrase 'Religious Objector' in the space provided for a Social Security number when they report your wages and taxes.
"You may show this letter to your employer(s) to show that your request is valid.
"Based on regulations published by the Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security numbers are required on income tax forms as the tax payer [sic] identification number. If you are required to file an income tax return, we suggest you contact the Internal Revenue Service in your area to explain your position, and they will advise you on what procedures you should use.
"We are unable to return the Social Security application which you completed. However, that application form will be destroyed eventually because our procedures require that all Social Security number applications be destroyed after a period of time. As requested, we have enclosed a copy of your four-page letter for your records.
"Again I want to re-emphasize that your record will not be used unless you yourself decide to activate it, and we will not release any information about your number without your consent.
"Sincerely,
"Social Security Administrator"