What is it?
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number, in the format 123-456-789, that identifies a person as an employable individual or an a recipient of some government benefits or programs.
Why is it important?
An organization offering employment or other taxable benefits, must by law, collect an employee’s SIN and report any earnings to the Canada Revenue Agency. You will be asked to provide it to anyone who prepares information slips (such as a T4A) for you, including but not limited to Payroll, Financial Aid, Student Accounts and Accounts Payable.
In the United States, this type of identification is referred to as the Social Security Number (SSN).
Where do I find more information?
More information about the Social Insurance Number can be found on Canada Revenue Agency’s website.