What does the first 3 letters of your social security number mean?

Asked by: Mr. Eloy Metz  |  Last update: June 28, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (20 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.

What do the letters on Social Security numbers mean?

The letters at the end of a SSN indicate the claim number for a SSI or Social Security beneficiary. Per the SSA: "If you are an SSI beneficiary, your claim number is your nine-digit Social Security Number (SSN) (000-00-0000) followed by two letters such as EI, DI, DS, DC.

What do all SS numbers start with?

Since 2011 Social Security numbers can now use “7” and “8” for the first digit regardless of region or type of employment. However, no Social Security Numbers will be issued with “9” as the first digit or starting with “000” or “666”.

How do I decode my social security number?

Decode Social Security Number. The nine-digit Social Security Number is broken into 3 parts - the Area, Group, and Series. The Area number is the first three digits of a Social Security Number, the Group number is the middle two digits and the Series number is the final four digits.

What Your Social Security Number Means

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Does your SSN tell your 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.

How do you find out what state my SSN was issued in?

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.

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.

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.

Why does my SSN start with 8?

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 are the 3 types of Social Security?

Social Security Benefits: Retirement, Disability, Dependents, and Survivors (OASDI)

How are Social Security numbers assigned at birth?

Through EAB, the bureaus of vital statistics electronically send birth registration information to Social Security, and we assign a number and issue a card.

What do the last 4 numbers in Social Security mean?

The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group.

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.

How much is my Social Security number worth?

The company found that buyers are currently willing to pay just $1 for a Social Security number, which is the same amount they'll pay for user and password information to Brazzers, a pornographic website.

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 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 does a Social Security number 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.

How are the second 2 digits of your social security number determined?

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. The original system reflected the record-keeping needs of a bygone era when Social Security data was organized for storage in filing cabinets.

Can you look up your SSN online?

Log onto the Social Security Administration's website. You can also retrieve your SSN through this website but for security reasons, the SSA will send you a new card rather than provide the information online. The Resources section contains a link where you can fill out the application.

How many combinations of SSN 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 ...

Can someone have the same SSN as me?

Although the SSN card is not considered an identity document (because it does not display identifying information about you), SSA uses your SSN to differentiate you from other SSN card holders. Many people have the same name, but each person has his or her own SSN. Your SSN allows your earnings to be credited to you.

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.

What is the highest Social Security payment?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364. If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.