The Social Security Administration has unveiled a new method for verifying hires’ social security numbers. Will it make HR’s life any easier?

Probably not, experts say.

The automated Telephone Number Employer Verification (TEVN) system is set to be available in late September, replacing the current operator-assisted hot line.

TEVN will allow employers to verify up to 10 names and SSNs at a time without having to wait to get an agent on the phone.

It’s definitely an improvement over the hotline, but there’s already a system available that lets employers verify more numbers in less time. The online Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) lets employers:

• verify up to 10 names and SSNs with immediate results, and
• upload files of up to 250,000 names and numbers and get results the next business day.

Plus, both SSNVS and TEVN require you to register with SSA’s Business Services Online. So once that’s done, most employers will have little reason to get on the phone.