How does your social security number tell where you were born?

Asked by: Kobe Zulauf  |  Last update: October 10, 2022
Score: 5/5 (36 votes)

All social security numbers start with three digits, then two in the middle, and finish with four numbers. The first three numbers are called the area number. The area number shows the region or state where a person was born, and was first adopted in 1936.

Do Social Security numbers indicate where you were born?

Because an individual could apply for an SSN at any So- cial Security office, the area code did not necessarily indicate where the person lived or worked. Since 1972, the Social Security Administration has been issuing SSN's centrally from its headquarters in Baltimore.

What do the first 3 numbers of your SSN 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.

Are SSN based on location?

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. The applicant's mailing address may not be the same as the place of residence.

How do I know where my SSN was issued?

The "Area" group is the first 3-digits of a Social Security Number. This number tells you where an SSN was issued.

What Your Social Security Number Means

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Are last 4 digits of SSN unique?

Although most widely used and shared, the last four digits are in fact the most important to protect. These are truly random and unique; the first five numbers represent when and where your Social Security card was issued. Scammers can get those numbers by knowing your birth date and hometown.

What do the last 4 digits of SSN mean?

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 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.

What does your SSN tell about you?

Your Nine Digits

Because your Social Security Number follows you from birth to death, tracking information personal to you, the nine digits taken together can reveal a great deal about you, from where you bank to whether you've been arrested.

What can you find out from someone's Social Security number?

After all, identity theft is a common problem in recent years. Beyond that, though, a social security number search can also tell you a person's traffic violation history, criminal history, credit history and several other important facts. As an employer, you can never be too careful.

Can I have 2 Social Security numbers?

Most persons have only one SSN. In certain limited situations, SSA can assign you a new number. If you receive a new SSN, you should use the new number. However, your old and new number will remain linked in our records to ensure that your earnings are credited properly.

Can you fake a Social Security number?

Many immigrants who do not have permission to work in the US may think about using fake documents or using the social security number (SSN) of another person. While there are many reasons people may do this, it is not a good idea. Using someone else's SSN is a federal crime and could result in up to 15 years in jail.

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.

How do you tell what year a SSN was issued?

How to Find the Date When a Social Security Number Was Issued
  1. Visit USATrace.com (see reference). ...
  2. Read the page that opens up and enter the subject's SSN in the provided field. ...
  3. Enter your information into the following page and read the "Terms and Conditions" provided.

Can two people have the same last 4 Social?

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. Out of 300 people, then there is more than 99% probability that two of them will have the same number.

What do the middle numbers in Social Security mean?

The middle section of numbers is simply there to make administration easier for the SSA. The group number ranges from 01 to 99 and allows Social Security Numbers with the same area number to be broken into smaller pairings. Geographic data is not indicated by the group number.

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.

Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?

“The important thing for people to understand is that once someone has your Social Security number, particularly in combination with your name and address, they can do pretty much anything that requires your SSN,” said Brian Focht, an attorney and head of the Law Offices of Brian C.

What does the back of a Social Security card say?

The back of the card contains information about the SSN and the card itself, including where to mail found cards, where and how to obtain information from SSA, a card stock sequence number, and the card's official form number.

Can you buy a Social Security number?

You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.

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.

What if my SSN is on the dark web?

Place a Freeze on Your Credit Report

If your Social Security number is on the dark web, this means that unscrupulous people can use it to open new credit cards and other financial accounts in your name. One way to prevent this from happening is to put a freeze on your credit report.

Can I change my identity?

The quick answer is that no, you can't completely erase your identity in this day and age -- unless the government does it for you. Legally changing your name isn't too difficult. Legally changing your Social Security number (SSN) is possible as well, but only under certain circumstances.

What is a 900 Social Security number?

Facts. The Social Security Administration has never issued a number in the 800 or 900 range. Therefore, a number beginning in 999 is not valid.

What does a SSN starting with 9 mean?

The Social Security Administration does not issue SSNs beginning with the number 9. Numbers beginning with a “9” may be a Social Security Administration issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS that has 9 digits beginning with the number 9.