Answer

For all FHA loan applicants, including US citizens, the FHA mortgage lender is required to document a valid Social Security Number (SSN) for each borrower, co-borrower, and co-signer on the FHA mortgage. All individuals eligible for legal employment in the US must have a SSN. Each borrower must provide the lender with evidence of his or her own valid SSN as issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This applies to purchase money loans and all refinances, including streamline refinances. While the actual social security card is not required, the lender is required to validate the SSN.

Lenders may use various means for validating the SSN including examining the borrower's pay stubs, passport, valid tax returns, and may use those service providers having direct access to the SSA. The lender is also required to resolve any inconsistencies or multiple SSNs for individual borrowers that are revealed during loan processing and underwriting. Only Non-profit organizations and State and Local Government agencies who are approved to purchase using FHA financing may use tax identification numbers when requesting a case number.