Source + trust record
Source checked as of September 18, 2026. Primary authority: EDD WSD20-11 and EDD’s current Active Directives list.
Check result: WSD20-11 remains active California guidance for pseudo Social Security numbers in CalJOBS. A pseudo SSN is a system identifier used in permitted circumstances and should not be treated as proof of identity, work authorization, citizenship, or program eligibility. Staff should search for an existing record first, follow EDD’s required creation procedure, protect participant privacy, avoid duplicate records, and update or reconcile records when appropriate identifying information later becomes available. This AI-assisted brief does not receive human legal or compliance review. Official sources control.
WDB decision strip
| STATUS | ACTION | PRIMARY OWNER | CURRENT TIMING | IMPACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FINAL · ACTIVE | CONTROL PSEUDO-SSN USE | MIS + Program Leadership | When a CalJOBS record requires an alternate identifier | Privacy · Data matching · CalJOBS · Participant records |
The bottom line
A pseudo SSN is a CalJOBS record-management tool, not proof of identity, work authorization, or program eligibility. Local Areas should limit its use to permitted circumstances, protect participant privacy, avoid duplicate records, and update the record appropriately when a valid SSN later becomes available.
A pseudo SSN is a CalJOBS record-management tool—not a substitute identity, eligibility document, or Social Security number
WSD20-11 explains when California workforce staff may use a pseudo Social Security number in CalJOBS and the controls needed to prevent duplicate records, identity confusion, and performance-data problems. The procedure supports service access when an SSN is unavailable or should not be entered, while preserving the integrity of participant records.
At a glance
Issued
April 19, 2021
System
CalJOBS
Purpose
Participant record creation
Main risk
Duplicate / mismatched records
Executive takeaway
Pseudo SSNs should be used only under the circumstances and procedures established by EDD. Staff need to search for an existing record first, follow the required numbering conventions, document the participant appropriately, and update or reconcile the record if valid identifying information later becomes available.
Privacy and data-quality principle: Do not collect or enter an SSN merely because it is convenient for staff. Use EDD’s current rules on whether the identifier is required for the program and how a participant record should be created.
Local control points
- Search CalJOBS thoroughly before creating a new participant record.
- Limit pseudo-SSN creation to trained staff and documented circumstances.
- Prevent multiple pseudo identifiers for the same individual.
- Follow EDD procedures when later correcting or consolidating participant information.
- Include pseudo-SSN records in data-quality review because duplicate identities can distort enrollment and performance reporting.
Source basis
Primary source: EDD WSD20-11 — Pseudo Social Security Number in CalJOBS