New York Employment Law Protects Use of Social Security Numbers

Employers in New York have been permitted to require an employee or job applicant to disclose his or her social security numbers (SSNs).  However, the New York Employment Law is about to change in that employers will not be permitted to request SSNs starting December 12, 2012.  An employer violating the law will be subject to a $500 fine for the first violation and $1,000 for any additional violations.  There are some exceptions to the law which would permit an employer to request the SSN: (1) employee consents; (2) it is required by law; (3) complying with State and Federal Tax regulations; and (4) associated with insurance or unemployment claims.