DHS Finally Realizes Mailing SSNs Everywhere Might Be Bad
Published Date: 1/13/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security wants to update its rules to better protect your Social Security number, only sharing it on mail when truly needed and making sure it’s hidden when possible. These changes affect U.S. citizens and legal residents, aiming to stop fraud and keep your info safer. You’ve got until February 12, 2025, to share your thoughts before the new rules take shape.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Full SSNs Banned on DHS Mail
DHS generally will not include a person’s full Social Security number (SSN) on any physical mail. The Secretary (or a designee) may allow full SSNs only when inclusion is "necessary," meaning it is required for a DHS component to comply, in whole or in part, with a legal, regulatory, or policy requirement. Physical mail means printed documents or correspondence and does not include emails or other electronic communications.
Redact SSNs to Last Four Digits
Where feasible, DHS components should partially redact Social Security numbers on mailed documents by including no more than the last four digits of the SSN. Components are instructed to prioritize technical methods to redact SSNs in printed mail.
No SSNs Visible on Mail Exterior
DHS components must ensure that no part of any Social Security number is visible from the outside of any package or envelope sent by physical mail. This applies in all cases for DHS mailed materials.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20735, Extensions of Credit to Insiders
The FDIC is giving banks and insiders more time to share their thoughts on new rules about loans to insiders by extending the comment deadline to November 4, 2026. These rules aim to keep lending fair and safe, especially when insiders like executives or board members borrow money. If you’re involved with banks or interested in fair lending, now’s your chance to speak up before the final rules are set!
2026-20790, Application of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to the Refunded Portion of Certain Federal Refundable Tax Credits; Hearing Cancellation
The IRS canceled a public hearing set for October 14, 2026, about new rules on how certain refunded tax credits count as federal benefits under a 1996 law. This affects individuals who get refundable tax credits, clarifying how those refunds are treated but with no immediate money changes. Since no one signed up to speak, the hearing won’t happen, but the proposed rules are still out for public comment.
2026-20721, Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods: Enforcement Policy for Certain Retail Food Establishments and Restaurants; Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability
The FDA is sharing a draft plan about new food tracking rules that mostly won’t apply to certain stores and restaurants right now. If you run a retail food place or restaurant, you don’t have to worry about extra paperwork just yet, but the FDA wants your feedback by November 23, 2026. This helps them decide the final rules without causing extra costs or hassle for small businesses.
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!
2026-20677, Airworthiness Directives; Various Helicopters
The FAA wants to update rules for helicopters with radio altimeters because 5G signals in Canada can mess with their readings. Pilots will need to follow new flight manual limits when flying in Canadian airspace to keep things safe. Comments on this change are open until November 23, 2026, and it mainly affects helicopter operators flying near Canada.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2024-31331, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting soon, rail companies exporting cargo from the U.S. will have to send their export info electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) before their trains leave. This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and speeds up the export process. Rail operators and exporters should get ready to meet these new electronic filing deadlines to avoid delays or fines.
Next: 2024-31405, Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities (November 2024)
The EPA just got a new petition asking to set or change rules about pesticide leftovers on different foods. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies should pay attention because these changes could affect what’s allowed on crops and products. You’ve got until February 12, 2025, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to speak up!