Justifacts' Services I-9 Verification As a designated agent for the Department of Homeland Security "Basic Pilot Program”, Justifacts offers employers the ability to check employees Social Security numbers and work permits against government databases. After a hiring decision is made, this program allows approved employers to submit I-9 information to determine the work eligibility of all new employees. All U.S. employers must fill out federal I-9 forms on new hires that document applicants’ social security numbers and work permits, and those documents must be saved for at least three years. Ignoring these steps or knowingly hiring an illegal worker carries a penalty as high as $10,000 and six months in prison. Even an accidental error in filling out and filing I-9 forms can cost the employer $110 to $1,100 per employee.