Everything You Need to Know About Social Security Numbers But Didn’t Know to Ask!

WHAT information are we collecting and WHERE can it be found?

• Jenny Schlukebier (SiD team) and Rachel Stiglitz (Ramsey County Correctional Facility) will share the important aspects of Social Security number (SSN) collection and explain why the information is so important to MN ABE.
• Do you know where to find your program SSN percentages? What reports can you run? Jenny will explain how to locate the information in SiD.
• Did you know that the Tennessen Warning is a mandatory notice that must be given to individuals prior to collecting private data? Rachel will share information about ensuring that individuals understand why the information is collected and how it will be used. She will also share where to find translations of the Tennessen Warning.
• How do social security numbers appear in SiD? Knowledge of the answer to this question can be used to reassure students of the security of their information.

WHO wants this information and WHY?

• Minnesota ABE programs enter all collected data into our state data system. The collection of social security numbers helps to ensure that students with the same or similar names are identified as individual students. This in turn enables the deletion of duplicate accounts, cleaning up statewide data.
• Additionally, the GED and HiSET systems use the information to complete data matching, increasing the reporting of high school equivalency completion for measurable skill gains (MSGs).
• Another important use of social security numbers is in reporting work status for MSGs. MN Dept of Ed uses SSNs to match with MN Dept of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), to determine the number of students employed after leaving ABE.

WHEN and HOW do you collect this information?

• As students enter your program, be ready with a simple and ready-to-go explanation for the need to collect the social security number from them.
• After students have been away from classes for a while, complete a re-entry form and remind them of the need for sharing SSNs for program success.
• Share a screenshot of the appearance of the number as seen in SiD, showing them that the actual number is hidden.