How are the first 3 digits of your Social Security number determined?

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. The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State.

What do the first 3 letters of your Social Security number mean?

Area Number
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 where a Social Security number was issued?

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.

Will the US run out of Social Security numbers?

Will the SSA ever run out of SSNs? The nine-digit SSN will eventually be exhausted. The SSA eliminated the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, referred to as the area number, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states.

What does a SSN starting with 9 mean?

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.

Is it OK to give out last 4 digits of SSN?

Why the Last Four Digits of Your SSN Are So Important The Social Security Number is not something you should give away. These numbers started being used back in 1936. So, only having the last four digits is not going to stop them. They can even use those digits to take your identity away.

How are the first three digits of a Social Security number determined?

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.

Is the number 000 a valid SSN number?

Any number beginning with 000 will NEVER be a valid SSN. The information in our records about an individual is confidential by law and cannot be disclosed except in certain very restricted cases permitted by regulations.

Where do I Find my Social Security number?

The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State. See also High Group List of SSN’s. The chart below shows the first 3 digits of the social security numbers assigned throughout the United States and its possessions.

How was a Social Security number assigned before 1973?

Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices. The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State. See also High Group List of SSN’s.