A question we get sometimes on our Facebook page is “who can ask for my social insurance number (SIN) and when don’t I have to provide it?” Here is some information we found about limiting who has access to your SIN.
While this particular topic falls outside of the areas we regulate, we always want to share useful information with consumers. For this blog post, we sourced our information from Service Canada (Service Canada is responsible for issuing SINs).
Who’s legally allowed to ask for my SIN?
According to Service Canada, the collection, use and disclosure of your SIN by the federal government or other organizations are guided by specific legislation and/or by authorization from the Treasury Board. Here are a few of the most common uses of your SIN (for a full list, check out this page):
- For employment purposes (after you have the job)
- For income tax information purposes
- To get Canada Pension Plan benefits
- To get Employment Insurance benefits
- In relation to child support payments
When don’t I have to provide my SIN?
Service Canada says that while it’s not illegal for some non-government organizations to ask for your SIN, it’s strongly discouraged. Here are instances when you don’t have to provide your SIN (for a full list, visit Service Canada):
- When you complete a job application (before you get the job)
- When you submit a property rental application
- When you complete a credit card application
- When you cash a cheque
- When you complete a medical questionnaire
- When you rent a car
Finally, and as a reminder, always keep your SIN in a safe place and only provide it in instances when it is legally required.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Tips to prevent identity theft
Information access – what does it mean for you?
Sharing your personal information
Thanks for the question, Karin! While our organization oversees BC’s payday lending laws, this particular issue falls outside of the laws we administer. (In general terms, BC’s Payday Loans Regulation is in place to protect borrowers by defining what a payday loan is, by setting a maximum allowable cost of borrowing, by providing cancellations rights to borrowers, by setting out disclosure requirements, by requiring licensing and by outlining prohibited practices and maximum penalties for violations.
That said, there is some great information on Service Canada’s website that may be useful. According to Service Canada, it’s not illegal for any business to ask for a SIN (just strongly discouraged) — check out this page on their website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/protect/provide.shtml
If Service Canada confirms that payday lending consumers are not legally required to provide their SIN information, here is some good information on the next steps your son could take (http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/protect/organization.shtml)l, including making a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner for Canada.
I hope this information was helpful and all the best to you!
What if u only work 3 days and they want to take ur sin number an birthdays an address
Hi Olivia, thanks for your question. Employers are allowed to request your SIN after you have the job. This is how they legally pay you. I hope this was helpful! – Amanda
Do we need to provide the original SIN document to the employer or is giving/writing the number sufficient?
Hi Caro, thanks for your question. It’s my understanding you can simply provide the number – however I would suggest contacting Service Canada to confirm that as this is their area of authority. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Do I have to provide my social insurance number to a bank when applying to co-sign a loan for someone else? Or to apply for a personal line of credit or personal loan?
Thanks
Harley
Hi Harley, social insurance number issues are with the federal government but I found further information on their website. On this page, under “When you don’t have to provide your SIN” there is a line that says “completing some banking transactions (mortgage, line of credit, loan)” We are not sure if co-signing a loan would fall under regular loans but you can always contact them directly and find out. Here’s their contact information.
Hi Melaina, and many thanks for your time. Quick question: I started filling up a form at COSTI employment services, and for they to start giving me their help they requested my SIN number, or they wouldn’t go on with my application. Is that ok? Should I give them my number? Thanks again
Hi Sergi, thank you for your question. Service Canada has more information on when not to give out your SIN number so you please visit their website for more comprehension information. The website also dives deeper into what to do in situations where people are denied services without SIN. I hope you find their website useful!
Is it legal for the cash store to take your sin number as ID as that is what they have done with my son who is 30 and has a learning disability.
to access government funded programs you are required to provide your SIN. No SIN no service.
What about when you get your credit report?
My husband just started a new job. In order to put me and my child on his benefits the company is asking for our SIN numbers. Does not make any sense to me Is this an over reach?
Then why do the management of apartments need to have your social insurance number? They even asked my SIN for past histories and the SIN people telephoned me to see if I had really given them permission, and I said NO. The management were so mad at me that they have wanted me to evict me ever since. Then when I was young 19 years old, I was married and I’d worked under that same married name and still have been given full credit for making money under that name and I paid CPP fully by the middle of the year, as I had been an accountant and get barely enough to live on.
I haven’t had my SIN card in YEARS (20+) do I need the actual card or is the number itself enough? I know my number.
Interesting question, Cameron. I know Service Canada stopped producing the plastic cards about a year ago (they now issue paper letters verifying the SIN), but as to whether or not you’ll ever get asked to produce a letter would ultimately be a question for Service Canada. Here’s a link to their website — would be curious to hear what they say! http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml
[quote name=”RA”]What about when you get your credit report?[/quote]
Service Canada says it’s not required, but it’s also not illegal for the credit reporting bureau to ask you for this information (to, presumably, ensure they’re matching the right person to the right credit information). So, in general terms, it’s really up to you as to whether or not you feel comfortable providing your SIN. Here’s a list on Service Canada’s website that explains the instances when you need to provide your SIN to, and when you can say no: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/protect/provide.shtml Hope that helps!
[quote name=”Carol-Ann Nelson”]Then why do the management of apartments need to have your social insurance number?[/quote]
According to Service Canada, one of the most common reasons why businesses ask for SINs when it isn’t legally required is because they’re using it as proof of identity. Here’s some information from Service Canada’s website about what to do if you’re being asked for your SIN when it’s not legally required, in case it’s of use: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/protect/organization.shtml
My former.landlord asked for my SIN and evej made a photocopy of my SIN card before agreeing to lease his apartment to me.
I no longer live in the apartment as l have bought ky own place.
Do l ask him to return the photocopies he made of my SIN Card?
how do l also check if my SIN has been comptomised
[quote name=”Donald Now”]My former.landlord asked for my SIN and evej made a photocopy of my SIN card before agreeing to lease his apartment to me.
I no longer live in the apartment as l have bought ky own place.
Do l ask him to return the photocopies he made of my SIN Card?
how do l also check if my SIN has been comptomised[/quote]
Hi Donald — Have you noticed anything suspicious on your credit report that makes you think your SIN may have been compromised (you can request free copies of your credit report — instructions on how to do this is on our website, here: http://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/consumers-other-businesses-home/how-can-we-help/credit-reporting). If you notice something odd, here are steps from Service Canada on what to do: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/fraud/fraud.shtml
I’ve been hired and requested my SIN number. I gave them my SIN number but they want also a photocopy of the card itself. Is this legal?
Hi E. Mariaca, thank you for your question. Employers are required to have your SIN number for income tax purposes but I’m not sure if the law speaks to that detail regarding photocopying a SIN card. You may want to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada – I found this page (http://bit.ly/2iwkyB5) on their website but it doesn’t mention about photocopying for employment purposes. Their contact information is here – http://bit.ly/2iMrVST I hope they can point you in the right direction!
I have a man who hired me for a few months to do construction under the table kind of thing about 3 months ago and is only now asking for my sin number and address through text. im uncomfortable with sending that info over text. should i worry? should he be asking this when there was no contract initially?
Hi Maggie, thank you for your question. Perhaps your first step could be to contact this employer and find out some more information as to why he is asking for your SIN number. It is normal for employers to request your SIN number, so a conversation with this employer to get more clarity on the situation may help you. Here is some information from the Government of Canada about SIN numbers: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/sin/protect.html
I hope this is helpful to you!
HI Melania,
In the past, I worked just one week (20hr) because I didn’t like my duties, even so, my employer must ask my SIN numbers?.
Thank you
Hi Karla, thank you for your question. I believe it is normal for employers to request your SIN number, even if you only worked there for a short period of time. Here is some general information from the Government of Canada about SIN numbers: http://www.canada.ca/…/protect.html. If you still are concerned about giving out your SIN number, perhaps a conversation with your past employer would clear things up.
I hope this is helpful to you!
Hi Melania,
I’m applying for a tutoring job and they sent me an independent contractor agreement to fill out and email back. Is it safe to fill in my SIN on the agreement and email it back to their company email?
Thanks!
Hi Naomi, thank you for your question. It is normal for employers to request your SIN, that being said, I can’t speak to the security or privacy of their company email. If you would feel more comfortable providing your SIN by phone or by some other method then you could always discuss this with your employer. I hope this information is helpful to you!
I work for this company for one year under the table they paid me by personal cheque at the end of the year they ask me for my sin and all my info I’m extremely uncomfortable given them this information a year down the road plus why they didn’t ask before I started working. what should I do.
Hi John, thanks for your question. Employers are allowed to ask for your SIN. Have you clarified why they are asking for it now as opposed to earlier? I would suggest starting there to get some clarity from them directly. If you want more information about SIN number privacy I would suggest checking out this page here: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/sin/protect.html.I hope this helps and best of luck. Please let me know if you have more questions.
Hello, Many tutors are being hired by companies overseas as ‘independent contractors’. I think that any questions asked on this forum should specifically address whether the tutors are operating as independent contractors or as employers. In my opinion an independent contractor should never supply their social insurance number to anyone they provide services to in their capacity as an independent contractor. Many thanks
Hi Lima, thanks for your comment. I think context is really important when it comes to different kinds of contract work and I can’t say for sure what laws apply for overseas work, but thank you for sharing your input. If you would like a definitive answer on whether or not contractors can be asked for their SIN before being hired, I might suggest contacting the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of BC: https://www.oipc.bc.ca/about/contact-us/. I hope this is helpful!
Can I legally abandon (cancel) my SIN and still be able to work?
Hi Tracy, thanks for the question. It’s my understanding that employers require your SIN for employment and for tax purposes. I think this may be a question better answered by Service Canada, as this is their area of authority. I might suggest reaching out to them to explain your situation (why you want to abandon your SIN, your options moving forward, etc.). Here’s a link to Service Canada’s contact information: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/sin.html. I hope this is helpful and best of luck!
BC Gov is now requiring registration to prove you are not a real estate speculator.
Registration form asks for your SIN number.
Why do they need that and am I legally obligated to supply? It’s not like the government hasn’t accidently released private info before…lol.
Hi Ron, thanks for reaching out to us here. It is up to you should you choose to provide it, however, you may not be able to register without it. I would suggest contacting the BC Government for more information if you are not comfortable providing your SIN. I hope this helps!
When buying or renting a property within a cooperative community in the USA they ask us (Canadians) for our SIN in order to do a background check (which includes a criminal and credit check). They tell us we have no choice if we wish to buy or rent…we must provide our SIN. Should we?
Hi Glennda, thanks for your question. I can’t say for sure what the laws are in the US, you may be interested in contacting someone in your state to find out if you are required by law to provide that information and whether or not you can be denied a rental based on that. It’s my understanding that the laws here in BC would not apply to you in the US. I hope that helps and best of luck finding your answer!
So does the CRA receive a “notification” from companies of every SIN that earns income?
Hi Mary, thanks for your question. I am not too sure how that process works and how the CRA is notified, as this is not our area of authority. I would suggest you get in touch with Service Canada for more info on that. Here’s their contact info for questions about SIN’s: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/sin.html. Hope this helps and best of luck!
HI there . I have been filling out a form to have my window and doors replaced . They do a payment plan which is a huge thing for me as I can’t pay it all at once . I filled out the forms and on it it asks for my sin number with a blue highlight saying it is optional. I did not give it. I then received an email from them asking for my sin number ….. should I be suspicious of this. Should I point out it says optional ?
Hi Jennie, thanks for your question. You may be interested in speaking with the business on the phone about this, to clarify that you will not be providing your SIN, as it is not required. Speaking to the business directly may offer some clarity as to why they are looking for this info – you can then explain you do not wish to provide it. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Would it be right for an insurance agent to ask for a SIN if we were applying for a new life insurance policy? They stated it was for identification purposes.
Hi Roslynn, thanks for your question. According to this page from the CRA, you do not have to provide your SIN to prove your identity (except for certain government programs). If you head to that page it has a series of steps to follow if an organization asks for a SIN but they are not legally required to do so. I suggest starting there! I hope this helps.
Hi,
I am Immi and I was in Canada for 2 years on student visa. After one year of my study I voluntary withdraw from the program and started working where I have provided my sin number. I have returned to India before my student visa expired. Now I want to apply for PR. What are my chances of getting PR working illegally?
Thank you
Hi Immi, thanks for reaching out to us here. We have no authority when it comes to immigration or permanent residency. I would suggest contacting Immigration Canada here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html. Best of luck!
i called social developement to see if my cheque was sent out and i gave them my sin over phone now regret it big time privacy issues
Hi! I hope that someone still checks this thread haha. I recently tried to order something from an online shop in sweden (im in canada) and they asked for my SIN number at checkout. Why eould they ask for this? Is this a scam? They have good reviews, but also some saying products never came, but nothing about stolen info. Should i trust this site in regards to my number?
Hi Sarah, could it be possible that they are asking for a different number that has the same acronym? You may want to reach out to the seller for clarification. If it is not legally required, it’s strongly discouraged to provide your SIN. I hope this helps!
Hello, Do you have to give your SIN to someone you are doing a partnership with? I’m working a market with a friend and she asked for my SIN number for our
Partnership on it. Thank You
Thanks for your question, Brittany. I would recommend reaching out to Service Canada to get their advice (you’ll have to click through the tabs to view your contact options). They will have a better sense of exactly when it is appropriate to provide your SIN. I hope that helps– good luck!
HI there. My 15 year old starts part time summer work as a cashier and does not have the SIN # yet. We have applied online due to COVID having all service centers shut down. She is upset that she will be “unhired” because she cannot produce a SIN # ( although we have the confirmation of application print out )
Will the company ( by law ) just hold her hours/pay until the SIN # arrives? It’s a large grocery chain that will run a payroll service so not sure if they could generate a paystub without a SIN?
Any insight would be appreciated?
Hi Reed, thanks for reaching out to us here. I think the folks best suited to help you out with this would be Service Canada. Here’s a link to their contact info: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/sin.html Our organization doesn’t oversee this area. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Wondering if financial planners will typically ask for a SIN number, and if there is a way to check the reliability/authenticity of a financial planner?
Hi Jo, thank you for posting your question! There is a regulator in BC and it’s called BC Securities Commission. Their website has a lot of information about financial advisors and investors, so I think you will find it useful. If you have further questions, you can ask them questions as well. Here’s their website – I hope it’s helpful to you!
I’ll look into it. Thank you!
It it safe to give my SIN to Amazon when selling an ebook. They want my number for tax purposes, so I don’t have to pay tax to both States and Canada.
Hi Molly, this is an interesting question! As we do not issue social insurance numbers, we are not certain about this question. You may want to ask Service Canada as they are responsible for issuing SINs. There is a page on the government site that has more information and their contact numbers. You can access it from here. I hope they will be able to assist you further!
Hello,
I am looking into self-publishing through Amazon/Kindle and they require my SIN # as I am a non-U.S. citizen.
Is it safe?
Hi Fabien, thank you for asking a question here. We are actually not experts in this area but if you’d like to find out more, you may want to contact Service Canada. If Amazon or Kindle has privacy policies or terms and conditions, I would make sure to read them through and understand what you are signing. I hope this helps!
I’ve been a self-published author with Amazon since 2011. Gave them my SIN when I initially signed up and then had to open a RBC USA account in order to get paid (because at the time they were the only bank offering a proper USA account without a lot of fuss).
I’ve had absolutely no issues!
Hi…can my former employer monitor my SIN#?
We are in the middle of a settlement dispute and they have been dragging it out for a year now.
If they are able to monitor my SIN will they see if I am working part time?
Hi there and thank you for posting your question here. Social Insurance Numbers are issued and overseen by Service Canada so with your specific question, you may want to contact them. Here’s their website. This page also specifically talks about employers’ responsibilities. Good luck with everything!
Hello,
I have a conditional job offer. I have completed the background check; however, I am not being asked to provide my SIN in a 2nd background check and it is “not optional”. My understanding is that a background check can be completed without a SIN and that I do not need to provide my SIN until either a firm offer is on the table and/or I have started my job.
Can you help clarify
Hi Liza, as you can see from the article you commented on, social insurance numbers are issued by Service Canada so you may want to contact them directly with your question. Their website does list when to provide and when NOT to provide SIN – you can check out this page. I hope you can get some clarification soon!
Do I need to send a photo of your SIN to retail employers after sending a photo of my driver’s license and providing my SIN
Hi Jenn, thank you for contacting us here. When it comes to SIN, you may want to contact Service Canada. You can also look through this website for more detailed information. I hope this is helpful to you.
Hello,
Thank you for your insights.
I have been reviewing Acts under the Treasury as well as both Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada (and Service Ontario) Codes, and it has become evident that in no document does it explicitly or specifically state that Taxpayers/holders of a Social Insurance Number are required by law to provide their SINs to private enterprises or other private sector organizations, nor have I been able to come across any law that specifically requires such civilians to produce Social Insurance Number documentation for private commercial interests.
Granted, there is also no language in any of these distinct jurisdictive bodies’ stipulations prohibiting commercial enterprises and other organizations from accepting the Social Insurance Number. Ironically, the purpose of reviewing these Acts, Codes, and other documents was to ascertain the legality of my actions as an employer; however, upon carefully reading, for instance, Canada.ca’s “Information For Private Sector Organization” (S.4 of the Social Insurance Number Code of Practice), which provides that, “In certain cases, private sector organizations may collect the Social Insurance Number (SIN). These include employment and income tax purposes. These also include for government benefit payments, and other government programs.”, I noticed that there is no statement of requirement – no language which, for example, clearly conveys that a particular action *Shall or *Must be taken. “May”, on the other hand, is a statement of conditional circumstance, not mandatory.
So, I am currently looking for regulatory documentation which specifically and clearly mentions a legal requirement by a private civilian to produce SIN documentation. Hopefully you might be able to offer insight into this or refer me to relevant sources on the matter. Thank you.
Jerimiah
Hi Jerimiah, thank you for reaching out to Consumer Protection BC. We shared this information on our website as it is useful to consumers but we do not have any oversight on the SIN program. Canada.ca has a link to the SIN Code of Practice so you may want to check that out. Additionally, if you would like to contact Employment and Social Development Canada with further questions, you can find their contact information on this page (select “I need help with another SIN question”). I hope this is helpful to you.