beneficiary? about SS number?

[java]

So I get a call from my sister and she leaves a message saying she needs my ss number for her insurance plan at work. (I guess she is going to use me as a beneficiary? ) but is that common practice of needing a ss number? I am leary about giving it out- not to my sister but more to her employer who is an international firm.
Don't want to sound ungrateful either.
I have not called her back yet- But intend to. So is this normal practice needing a ss number? For identity theft I have been bombarded with the NEVER give your SS number.

 

[Orange County Girl]

I didn't have to provide any for my husbands policy through his job.

 

[Maleficent13]

It is for my employer, and every employer I have worked for.

 

[mickeyboat]

The forms ask, but I don't think it is really required for the policy to be issued. Our insurance company does not even keep copies of the beneficiary forms, they are kept in our office.

I think the SS# is just requested so that you are easier to locate if the policyholder passes. You might not be at the same address, or even have the same last name when it is time to pay the benefits, but they should be able to locate you through your SS#.

Denae

 

[Honu]

Yes. All of the forms I've had to fill out required the SS of the beneficiaries. It's used for identifying purposes, should the benefits need to be paid.

 

[Laura]

I think the SS# is just requested so that you are easier to locate if the policyholder passes. You might not be at the same address, or even have the same last name when it is time to pay the benefits, but they should be able to locate you through your SS#.

Denae

That is exactly why. It is especially difficult to locate women, as we often change our names when we marry/divorce.

 

[LindaG4458]

All beneficiary forms I had ever filled out required SS numbers.

 

[Keggy]

It is for my employer, and every employer I have worked for.

DITTO!