Do you need a person's social security number for this?

My Aunt is trying to get my mom to give her her social security #, as well as mine, and my brother's, so that she can include us in her Will. Is it necessary to have a person's social security number to put them in your Will? I think this is schemey..

A social security number is not needed on the Will, just the name and address. Having the SS ID on the will is an optional information. On the other hand, if she wants to put you as her insurance beneficiary, the SS ID is needed.

No, a social security number is not required in a will. It may be required for some insurance policies.

Adding an address or the relationship of the named person should alleviate any questions even with a common name:
"John Smith, my brother shall receive..."

It's not a necessity but it can help during probate if you have a very common name. (i.e. John Smith gets $1,000,000 of the estate. 10 John Smiths claim to be the one in the will)

a person's social security number is very personal and should in no way be shared unless compelled to by law.

SSN is not needed...only name and address

No. I would avoid this if possible.

It might possibly facilitate probate, but it isn't necessary. I would tell the aunt that she doesn't need that information and to proceed without it.

No - but are there several people with the same name in the families?

It is understandable she wants to idneify someone uniquely and maybe the name is not enough for that - but she could certainly specify by the relatin to her to avoid any confusion.

In any case, the attorney that is drawing up the will will know how to do it without the ssn.

Oh, no attorney?

Expect fireworks when she dies!

Ask her who is asking her to get this information. Make sure she is not going to be a victim of a scam. I did a will and named my wife by full maiden and married name and named my children specifying my son XXXX born at XXX hospital on XXXX day and the same for my daughter. I did not give SS numbers for any of them. Tell her you would like to meet with her and the person she is working with just in case they have any other "questions" that need answering.