How are the first 3 digits of your social security number determined?

Asked by: Prof. Adriana Daugherty IV  |  Last update: December 21, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

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. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

Does your SSN tell where you were born?

SSNs have never been assigned directly to note a person's birthplace; before 1972, the number reflected the location of the office issuing the number, and since 1972, numbers have been assigned by the address written on the application.

How are the last 4 digits of your social security number determined?

Number Has Three Parts

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.

How can you tell what state a social security number was issued?

1. The first three digits (the area number) of a SSN are determined by the state where the number was issued. You can get the state-assigned list for each 3-digit origination code by visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/stateweb.htm.

How do they assign Social Security numbers?

Since 1972, when SSA began assigning SSN s and issuing cards centrally from Baltimore, MD , the area number has been assigned based on the ZIP code of the mailing address provided on the application for the original Social Security card.

Show only first three digits of Social Security Number (SSN) in Excel

20 related questions found

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

Who has Social Security number 1?

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.

Do Social Security numbers get reused?

To date, 453.7 million different numbers have been issued. Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.

What do first 3 numbers of Social Security mean?

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. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.

What your SSN says about you?

The Serial Number

As you can see, your social security number does not expressly say anything about you. Even the area number, which was tied to a location for 76 years, cannot be used to accurately pinpoint a residence.

What are the red numbers on the back of a Social Security card?

That's why you use the number on the front, your employee ID number (SSN). Supposedly, if you have a replacement card issued to you, the number on the back will come in red ink, and you can use it to declare that you're a soveriegn American and not a citizen OF the United States….

When a person dies what happens to their Social Security number?

The Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) does not reappoint a Social Security number to someone else after the original owner's death. The SSA estimates that there are enough new number combinations to last well into the next SEVERAL generations.

How long before we run out of Social Security numbers?

In the last 100 years, we have used just half of the available numbers. As populations continue to rise it is unlikely that the numbers will last another 100 years. But we can likely last at least another 50 years before recycling a Social Security Number or adding digits.

How do they not run out of Social Security numbers?

What is Social Security Number (SSN) Randomization? The project is a forward looking initiative of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help protect the integrity of the SSN by establishing a new randomized assignment methodology. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide.

What is a dummy Social Security number?

Valid SSN – a 9 digit unique number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Pseudo SSN – a dummy SSN issued at the request of an individual, or if there is an issue with a duplicate SSN in CalJOBS.

What was the most misused SSN?

The most misused SSN of all time was (078-05-1120). In 1938, wallet manufacturer the E. H. Ferree company in Lockport, New York decided to promote its product by showing how a Social Security card would fit into its wallets. A sample card, used for display purposes, was inserted in each wallet.

Can you change your Social Security number?

You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.

Will a SSN ever start with a 9?

SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “9”. SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “666” in positions 1 – 3. SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “000” in positions 1 – 3. SSA will not issue SSNs with the number “00” in positions 4 – 5.

Does your Social Security number ever change when you get married?

Your Social Security number, a unique identifier issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is meant to stay with you for life and never change. But there are instances where the SSA makes exceptions.

Does SSN show age?

The Serial Number, itself, doesn't say anything about your location or age that the Group Number and Area Number don't already say, although since they are assigned consecutively, they could potentially reveal your relative age within a Group and an Area.

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.

How many SSN combinations are there?

To date, 450+ million SSNs have been issued, but with just under 1 billion possible number combinations, there has never been a need to recycle numbers, and the SSA notes that it does “not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.” Of course, at some point the numbers will run out and ...

Who is entitled to the $255 death benefit?

Only the widow, widower or child of a Social Security beneficiary can collect the $255 death benefit, also known as a lump-sum death payment. Priority goes to a surviving spouse if any of the following apply: The widow or widower was living with the deceased at the time of death.

Does second wife get Social Security from husband?

Ex-spouse benefits are based on your former mate's primary insurance amount — the monthly benefit he or she is entitled to at full retirement age. You must have been married for at least 10 years. Divorced-spouse benefits range from 32.5 percent to 50 percent of your ex's benefit, depending on your age when you file.