Citizen’s Assertion of Legal Right to withhold disclosure of SSN

Did you know Federal Law protects your right to withhold a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Section 7 of Public Law 93-579 (The Privacy Act of 1974) explicitly states:

“It shall be unlawful for any Federal, State, or local government agency to deny any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual’s refusal to disclose their Social Security account number.”

What this means for you:

• Federal courts have confirmed that the Privacy Act applies equally to the private sector in many cases.
• No one can force you to disclose your SSN or deny you rights, benefits, or privileges for refusing to provide it.
• Protect your privacy and assert your rights.
• If someone insists on collecting your SSN, ask for the legal basis of their request and whether disclosure is mandatory or voluntary.

Send this form to any agency that is requesting the SSN. Make a copy, get it notarized, and send it off.