We have heard from a few colleagues that financial institutions have been requesting the social security numbers of volunteers when they are completing signature cards for 4-H financial accounts.  We have engaged University Counsel on this question to provide guidelines for volunteers as they respond to this request.

·         It is acceptable for a volunteer to provide their social security number to the financial institution for the use of personal identification.  However, this exchange should be done directly between the volunteer and the financial institution.  It is the volunteers’ choice whether they provide their social security number or not.

·         Volunteers can ask the financial institution directly how the social security number will be used and stored and released.  If they are still not comfortable sharing their social security number, the volunteer probably will not be able to handle 4-H money for the club or group. 

·         Banks and financial institutions do have a strict series of obligations to not release social security numbers under federal and state laws.

·         UW-System employees, including 4-H Youth Development Educators, may not disclose any person’s social security number without that person’s permission. 

If you have any further questions, please contact your liaison.