5 C.F.R. § 9801.106
Use and collection of social security numbers.
Cite as 5 C.F.R. § 9801.106 (2026)
(a)
No denial of right, benefit, or privilege.
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 required by Federal statute; and
(b)
Notification to individual.
Individuals requested to provide their social security numbers must be informed of:
(1) Whether providing social security numbers is mandatory or voluntary;
(2) The statutory or regulatory authority that authorizes the collection of social security numbers; and
(3) The uses that will be made of the numbers.