Your nine-digit Social Security number is your first and continuous connection with Social Security. It
helps us identify and accurately record your covered wages or self-employment earnings
. We also use it to monitor your record once you start getting benefits.
Is it mandatory to give your Social Security number?
Yes,
you can refuse unless you’re legally required to provide your Social Security number
(SSN). However, there’s also no law preventing businesses from asking for it or refusing you service if you don’t provide it.
What does your Social Security number mean?
The Area Number is assigned by the geographical region
. Prior to 1972, cards were issued in local Social Security offices around the country and the Area Number represented the State in which the card was issued. … So people on the east coast have the lowest numbers and those on the west coast have the highest numbers.
What to do if someone has last 4 digits of SSN?
Contact the Federal Trade Commission
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.
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.
Who can legally ask for your SSN?
Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that
state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies
request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.
Why do police ask for your Social Security number?
For law enforcement, requesting your social security number is
all about the proper identification of whom we have stopped
. We care less what your FICA credit score is or what debt you have outstanding.
Can someone access my bank account with my Social Security number?
In person,
a bank may also accept a physical Social Security card, passport or Real ID in addition to your Social Security number
. Someone might also try to use your Social Security number to open new financial accounts. They may have some success getting a credit card or loans under your name with your ssn.
Is it safe to provide last 4 digits of SSN?
The answer to the wrong question is that
you can do whatever you want
. If you are asking whether you are required to give the last 4 digits of your SSN, the answer is no. Ditto if you ask if it’s a good idea to give the last 4 digits of your SSN to recruiters.
How do I know if my SSN is being used?
To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes,
review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount
to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you’ll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.
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.
Does a SSN expire?
Does an SSN expire?
No
. Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual’s unique number for the rest of his or her life in the United States. … The expiration of work authorization does not invalidate an SSN but it does mean the individual cannot continue to work until it is renewed.
At what age can you get a Social Security number?
Children
age 12 or older
: Anyone age 12 or older who requests an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview, even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf.
Can a grown child collect parents Social Security?
Within a family, a child
can receive up to half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefits
. If a child receives survivors benefits, they can get up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. … It can be from 150% to 180% of the parent’s full benefit amount.
Is it safe to enter your SSN online?
Don’t Send Your SSN via an Electronic
Device
Never type your SSN
into an email or instant message and send it. The majority of such messages can be intercepted and read. Also, don’t leave a voicemail that includes your SSN. If you need to contact someone and give them your number, it’s best to do it in person.
What do I do if someone has my Social Security number?
If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, here are some additional steps to take: 1.
File a police report or a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Report
. This will help in case someone uses your Social Security number to commit fraud, since it will provide a legal record of the theft.
