both DESPP and SLFU are both DEMANDING that you include your correct SSN on both forms, both saying that if the SSN field is left blank they will NOT accept the application/form and will immediately return it/them back to you.
this is direct violation of the Privacy Act of 1974
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires all government agencies — federal, state and local — that request SSNs to provide a "disclosure" statement on the form. The statement explains whether you are required to provide your SSN or if it’s optional, how the SSN will be used, and under what statutory or other authority the number is requested (5 USC 552a, note). The U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) provides guidance and oversight regarding the Privacy Act of 1974. The text of the Privacy Act can be found at the Web site
http://www.justice.gov/opcl/privstat.htm.
The Privacy Act states that you cannot be denied a government benefit or service if you refuse to disclose your SSN unless the disclosure is required by federal law, or the disclosure is to an agency that has been using SSNs before January 1975, when the Privacy Act went into effect. There are other exceptions as well. Read the Code of Federal Regulations section here:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2008/julqtr/28cfr16.53.htm.
until they follow federal law, I'm not registering shet