How Is Your Social Security Number Determined?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Since 1973, social security numbers have been issued by our central office. The first three (3) digits of a person’s social security number are

determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application

for a social security number. … See also High Group List of SSN’s.

Does your social security number tell where you were born?

Since 1972, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has assigned numbers and issued cards based on the ZIP code in the mailing address provided on the original application form. … For many of us who received our SSNs as infants,

the area number indicates the state we were born in

.

How is your social security number chosen?

Social Security numbers, also known as SSNs, are allocated

through a process called randomization

that was introduced in June 2011. … The two-digit group number divided numbers into blocks within those geographic areas, and the four-digit serial number individualized each full number within that block.

What do the 2 middle numbers in social security mean?


The group numbers

are the two middle numbers of a social security number. These numbers do not represent the geographical region, but they do represent the order in which a number was issued for a particular region.

Is there a pattern to Social Security numbers?

A Social Security Number (SSN) consists of

nine digits

, commonly written as three fields separated by hyphens: AAA-GG-SSSS. The first three-digit field is called the “area number”. The central, two-digit field is called the “group number”. The final, four-digit field is called the “serial number”.

Can a Social Security number start with 7?

SSA will no longer issue SSNs based on geography. SSA will issue SSNs with the number “8” in position 1. with

“7” are for certain states and other specific groups

. services that are more accurate than using the High Group List.

What to do if someone has last 4 digits of SSN?

This report can help prevent future fraud that the thief may commit. If someone has already used your SSN for fraudulent purposes, call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at (800) 269-0271.

What does it mean if your Social Security number starts with a 9?

When an employer receives a W-4 form listing a Social Security Number that begins with a “9”, the employer should recognize that this is

an ITIN

and it cannot be used when filing W-2 forms. However, if this is the only number provided, the SSA advises employers to use it.

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?


Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique

. The first five numbers represent when and where your Social Security card was issued. Scammers can figure out the first five numbers by determining your birth date and hometown.

What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security mean?

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called

the Area Number

. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

Who had the first Social Security number?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to

John D. Sweeney, Jr.

, age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

When did Social Security numbers start being issued at birth?

The Social Security Administration developed an enumeration-at-birth process in

1987

, which quickly became the way the majority of people apply for Social Security numbers. Now parents indicate on the birth certificate form whether they want a Social Security number assigned to their newborn child.

Can a Social Security number start with 111?


No

valid SSN has 9 identical digits or has the 9 digits running consecutively from 1-9. For example, all of the following SSNs are invalid: 111-11-1111. 999-99-9999.

Do you automatically get a Social Security number at birth?


Most people apply for their child’s Social Security number at birth

, usually at the hospital. When the time comes for your child’s first job, the number is already in place. For more information on getting your child a Social Security number and card, check out Social Security Numbers for Children.

Do Social Security numbers start with 800?

Since 1972 SSNs have been issued centrally and the area number in SSNs assigned since 1972 corresponds to the residence location of the applicant as indicated on the application for the SSN. … An area number in the 800 series is bogus, so any SSN beginning with an “8

” is invalid

. An area number of “000” is also invalid.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.