How The Work Number® Works for You

IF YOU’VE EVER STARTED A NEW JOB, LEASED A CAR, APPLIED FOR A MORTGAGE, OR SOUGHT GOVERNMENT BENEFITS, you have probably benefited from The Work Number®. Before you land that new job or qualify for that loan, your employment or income information may need to be verified. The Work Number helps streamline this verification process using data sourced directly from employers, helping to ensure greater accuracy and efficiency.

Because The Work Number helps enable some of life’s most important moments, you may have questions about exactly what it is and what it does. You can find most of these answers through our website, where you can log in to view educational tools, gain 24/7 access to help and support content, and view and manage your employment data. 

If you need additional help, our Client Service Center agents remain ready on the phones to provide live, U.S.-based support to answer questions at 800-996-7566. We spoke with David Harrison, Vice President Operations, Employer Services to help answer the most frequently asked questions from consumers.

Q: How do I create an online account for The Work Number?

DAVID: Logging into The Work Number just takes a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to visit employees.theworknumber.com where you’ll select “sign up.” From there, you’ll need to find the code associated with your current or former employer to move forward. If you know it, that’s great. If not, you can also look it up by your employer’s name. After that, you’ll just need to verify some personal information, and provide a phone number or email. You’ll then be able to create a username and password. Of course, if you have any difficulties during this process, you can always connect with our Client Service Center Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. (CST). 

Q: Can The Work Number provide a status update on my job application?

DAVID: We’re asked this question a lot! People call us to ask if they’ve made it to the next step of the job application process. While we certainly hope you land the role you’re seeking, you’ll need to reach out to the employer directly to ask about the status of your application.

During the hiring process, the primary purpose of The Work Number is to perform authorized pre-hire employment verifications. We provide credentialed verifiers, such as employers and background screeners, with automated access to your verified employment history. So, if you work for one of the 2.9 million employers that provide employment and income data through The Work Number, your prospective employer can verify your qualifications more quickly, and more discreetly, to often help you get to work faster. 

Q: Can I call The Work Number for things other than verifications?

DAVID: If you call our Client Service Center, one of our agents will be happy to assist you with accessing your income and employment information on The Work Number. But sometimes, we receive calls from people looking to make “HR-like” requests, such as  changing their work schedules or scheduling paid time off (PTO). For these types of requests, you’ll need to contact your employer.  

Q: Can I use The Work Number to obtain my own proof of income or employment?

DAVID: Only credentialed verifiers can use The Work Number to obtain income and employment verifications. You cannot obtain this verification on your own. If a verifier, like a car dealer or a caseworker, ever reaches out to you requesting proof of employment or income, we recommend you direct them to theworknumber.com. From there, a credentialed verifier properly requesting your information can follow the established process to receive access to your information. 

Q: How am I able to view my own data on The Work Number?

DAVID: You may review your data via your Employment Data Report (EDR). Your EDR will include a historical list of available employment and income records that an employer has provided to The Work Number. Additionally, you’ll also see a list of verifiers that have requested information about you through The Work Number within the past 24 months. It’s important to note that prospective employers do not receive your EDR. Rather, they receive a different report that includes only the specific information they’ve requested and are permitted to receive.

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For more information about The Work Number and how to help access, manage, and utilize your employee data, visit employees.theworknumber.com.