On Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 2:17 PM, Binand Sethumadhavan binand@gmail.com wrote:
There is no need for an SSN to work. Only to get dole if you are out of work. If you are the type who will never be, then you have no need for the SSN.
Lets hear from horse's mouth:
"The SSN was originally devised to keep an accurate record of each individual’s earnings, and to subsequently monitor benefits paid under the Social Security program. However, use of the Social Security number as a general identifier has grown to the point where it is the most commonly used and convenient identifier for all types of record-keeping systems in the United States."
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/78
Jut like you cant get a job without PAN in India, SSN is required so that employer can notify IRS about tax.
Btw, house on rent is not a form of credit because typically the rent is collected in advance.
Companies that rent apartments need to check credit history so, most will decline unless you have good credit rating (queried by SSN) or are willing to put up much higher deposit.