What is an SSN Background Check?

Michelle Wilson - December 5, 2023

An SSN background check validates and verifies an individual’s social security number. Typically, the SSN background screening confirms the identity and correctness of an individual while verifying the details simultaneously. This process can decode multiple people who share the same name and other relevant personal information.

Table of Contents

How Does an SSN Trace Work?

The SSN trace searches through online databases, including schools, credit card companies, lending institutions, and utilities for a Social Security number. The information returned may include the state and year issued, names connected to the file, and address history.

The SSN will confirm the individual’s identity, including the SSN’s validity. Details may include whether the social security number is affiliated with another name or if it’s listed on the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File.

What Does the SSN Background Check Do?

The Social Security background check offers additional identifying information for anyone performing a screening. Background check companies that use the SSN can confirm the provided number against the Death Master Index while also confirming address history and previous aliases connected with the number. All background checks will also verify the date and state of issuance.

The Social Security Number is a nine-digit code for all U.S. citizens, temporary workers, and permanent residents. The number is the standard identifier for people within the United States, particularly regarding employment or retirement. Occasionally, duplicate numbers or errors occur, although this is exceedingly rare. Employment, student, and credit agencies will often use the Social Security number for indexing purposes.

Although a Social Security number offers detailed information, it isn’t mandatory for a background check. An SSN isn’t attached to criminal activity, so all criminal history is considered public record, while the SSN is confidential. You can’t search for criminal history on an individual with only the SSN.

With the confidential nature of the Social Security number, criminal background checks will require a name, fingerprint, or other identification to complete the search.

Currently, the United States has four different Social Security card classifications. The cards are issued according to the following guidelines:

Individuals born within the United States of America
Anyone who holds a permanent residence in the United States
Anyone becoming a U.S. citizen by oath or birth outside the territorial or legislative jurisdiction
Occasionally, people with certain restrictions.

There are two restricted issues of a Social Security card. The first card includes limitations or restrictions on work. The “not valid for employment” card prevents an individual from using the Social Security card as proof of work authorization.

Alternatively, the other Social Security card reads, “valid for work only with DHS authorization” or “valid for work only with INS authorization. These Social Security cards are for individuals with temporary work authorization within the United States. Homeland Security issues all authorizations.

How is the SSN Background Check Used?

When ordering a background check, the SSN can aid anyone completing a search in several different ways:

Compiling a List of Names on File

The Social Security Number offers a comprehensive list of alternative names and aliases of the applicant. Many criminal records currently use pseudonyms or previous names to avoid detection. The SSN holds all name records attached to the nine-digit number, keeping in-depth tracing of all credit and criminal activity. Once the SSN background check confirms all connected names, a new profile builds on the background report for the aliases.

Building an Address List

Address histories are crucial when building a background report on a person. Criminal history is closely connected with the individual’s address history. Using the SSN will offer a previous address list, which can help develop a local criminal history search by creating a complete list of all address information that offers known searchable areas for additional background screening.

What Other Information Comes on a Background Report?

The information included in the background report will vary according to the ordering company. There are several screening areas, starting with essential background information and building a comprehensive individual portfolio.

Criminal Record Checks

The criminal record check is one of the most frequent background checks. This component will search through criminal databases for previous convictions, charges, or warrants. The background report will look at all federal, state, and local records to develop the details within the section. Individuals with multiple addresses on file will have all local addresses evaluated within the criminal sector.

Credit Report

The credit report is a snapshot of all financial details attached to someone’s personal information. This area will evaluate and compile all credit accounts, financial details, account balances, limits, and any payment history on file. The credit report will also include any civil actions like credit proposals, delinquencies, and bankruptcies on file.

Education Confirmation

The education components will review an individual’s educational qualifications. These details compile any post-secondary education, degrees, tenure, and certificates on file. Additionally, users can carefully review someone’s license status attached to the applicable degree.

Employment Verification

Employment verification will review someone’s previous employment to confirm any employment history. These details highlight the job title, responsibilities, employment duration, and reason for leaving. Employment verification confirms an individual’s experience and qualifications for a position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the SSN Show Employment History on File?

No, the Social Security number background check will only verify the validity of someone’s number. Additionally, users will see the address history, aliases, and any notable discrepancies on file.

Will Employers Use SSN Background Checks or Confirm Address History?

Although the Social Security background check doesn’t connect employers directly to criminal records, many will use the screening to add additional verifications to the background screening. An employer may use the SSN to confirm an applicant’s address history and previous connections to names or aliases attached to the number.

First, confirming someone’s Social Security number against the database verifies an individual’s identity. If a Social Security number has an identity theft situation, the system will notify the results within the report. The Social Security Number verification also connects the SSN with all names and aliases on file.

Likewise, the SSN check will confirm any addresses attached to the Social Security Number, which helps scan through accurate databases for criminal history.

Conclusion

The SSN background check is one aspect of identity verification within the report. An individual’s Social Security number is a unique identifier offering in-depth details about an applicant that aids in the verification process. Although the SSN doesn’t include criminal information, background screening companies will often use details connected with the SSN to cross-reference other report aspects. Previous names, addresses, and SSN use can offer valuable insight into someone’s history, providing more information for the screening.