Social Security Number Use Policy
The purpose of this policy is to define and describe the FAO's collection, retention, use, and disclosure of students' Social Security numbers. The policy is also intended to provide students with information that the FAO collects and uses Social Security numbers if specifically required by law to do so or if necessary for the performance of the College's duties and responsibilities.
The U.S. Department of Education (the federal agency that provides and governs the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – FAFSA) requires applicants and students to provide their correct Social Security number on the FAFSA. Students who fail or refuse to provide their correct Social Security number on the FAFSA are thereby ineligible for Title IV (federal) financial aid and may also be ineligible for other types of aid from the College as well as state agencies and other agencies.
Provision of the student's Presentation College student ID number or Social Security number (as specified on the individual document) is also required on all supporting documents used to apply for financial aid. The student's Social Security number will be used for the College's system of student records, to process the FAFSA, to award financial aid, for compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, as well as for debt collection. The College will not disclose the student's Social Security number to anyone outside the institution, except as required by law, and will make every effort to protect the student's privacy. Students who fail or refuse to provide their Social Security number or student ID number when requested will delay or prevent the processing of their financial aid.
The U.S. Department of Education requires students to submit their Social Security number when completing federal applications for student aid. The student's Social Security number is then used by the College to match applicants' records, verify eligibility, and to coordinate benefits with other programs. The FAO uses Social Security numbers to verify eligibility and disbursement requirements for federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
As required by law, the College reports Social Security numbers for students receiving benefits from aid programs to various state and federal agencies. Agencies include but are not limited to the National Student Clearinghouse, the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the State of South Dakota.
As required by law, and in performing the duties required to administer the financial aid programs, Presentation College releases students' Social Security numbers to vendors contracted by the College and external agencies to assist with compliance with federal and state requirements. The vendors and other agencies are authorized to use Social Security numbers to complete the tasks contractually required and are not authorized to use Social Security numbers for any other purpose. Currently, vendors include (but are not limited to) the National Student Clearinghouse, Federal Family Educational Loan providers, guarantors and servicers of federal loans.
The following statement may appear on and is applicable to all of the College's financial aid forms:
Social Security Number Policy: Federal regulations require that you provide your Social Security number (SSN) on the FAFSA. Provision of your Presentation College student ID number or SSN (as specified on the individual document) is also required on all supporting documents used to apply for financial aid. Your SSN will be used for the College's system of student records, to process your FAFSA, to award your financial aid, for compliance with federal and state reporting requirements, as well as for debt collection. The College will not disclose your SSN to anyone outside the institution, except as required or allowed by law, and will make every effort to protect your privacy. Failure to provide your SSN or student ID number on this form will delay or prevent the processing of your [insert name of form here].