First of all I haven't had a job in two 1/2 years. The last two jobs I had(each lasted about a year and half) I lost because the companies were bought out by bigger ones and relocated and did not take or offer any current employees jobs in the new location. I was already struggling as it was but my credit was decent at the time. Now my credit is horrible and I have two judgements against me. I can't get a job because of my credit and I have bad credit because I can't get a job. By law do I have to put my social security number on applications?

If you don't give them your soc. Sec # they could very likely just toss your application in the can.

But the employer needs your written authorization to see your credit, no job because you have bad credit ? What kind of job are you looking for ?

Carl.-

If you have not had a job in 2 years, you are not willing to accept any job, Drive a truck, deliver newspaper, that Mac food place is always hiring, there are jobs for people, Or make a job, start a car wash service, sell insurance. There is always a job, they may not pay 100,000 a year but there are jobs

Many places do check your credit because they have decided that if you have bad credit it is equal to you being a risk. My mom, my accounting teacher and business owners even said that is true.
It took me two years of applying before I could find a job. The fast food places wanted kids.
The nicer restaurants said that I didn't have kitchen experience because I hadn't worked in a restaurant kitchen in 30 years so I know what you are going through.