Social Security No-Match Letters

This section focuses on efforts and resources available to address “SSA no-match letters.”  SSA No-Match letters are mailed by the Social Security Administration to employers and stating that an employee’s social security number does not match SSA’s records.  This practice has caused job loss and extreme anxiety among workers.  Employers, confused about the effects of the law, sometimes unnecessarily (and illegally) reverify employees’ immigration status.  Unscrupulous employers use re-verification as a means of retaliation against workers exercising their right to organize. 

New: Employment Authorization Verification and Reverification.   Employers sometimes say they have to fire or retaliate against a worker because they have received information about the worker’s Social Security Number or immigration status.  They sometimes insist on re-checking workers’ documents and demand different supporting papers.  In many cases, these employers’ actions are improper. This fact sheet for advocates explains the different verification systems and employer obligations relating to them. (July 2005)

Social Security Administration No-Match Letters: Top 10 Tips for Employers   What to do if you or your members hear of no-match letters from the Social Security Administration at work, and tips for employers' responses. (Updated November 2003)

Social Security No-Match Letters: Questions and Answers for Workers  Addresses frequently asked questions about workers' rights when their employer receives a Social-Security no-match letter. In English and in Spanish (July 2002).

Reverification of Work Authorization This fact sheet for advocates explains employer work authorization requirements.  (July 2002)

Employer Work Authorization Verification This fact sheet for workers provides an overview of the rights of workers when employers seek to verify or re-verify their work authorization. (July  2002)