Use and collection of social security numbers.

§ 16.53 Use and collection of social security numbers. Each component shall ensure that employees authorized to collect information are aware: (a) That individuals may not be denied any right, benefit, or privilege as a result of refusing to provide their social security numbers, unless the collection is authorized either by a statute or by a regulation issued prior to 1975; and (b) That individuals requested to provide their social security numbers must be informed of: (1) Whether providing social security numbers is mandatory or voluntary; (2) Any statutory or regulatory authority that authorizes the collection of social security numbers; and (3) The uses that will be made of the numbers.