What Is a SSN?

Facts To Know About Social Security Numbers. A social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. The number is used to track individuals for the purposes of Social Security benefits, taxation, and employment.

SSNs are issued to children at birth, and to adults who apply for them. In order to get a SSN, you must have a valid reason for needing one. The most common reasons for needing a SSN are:

- Applying for a job
- Applying for credit
- Applying for government benefits
- Filing taxes

The SSN is different from a taxpayer identification number (TIN), which is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to track taxpayers. TINs are also nine-digits, but they are issued by the IRS, not the SSA. What is SSN example? The Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. The number is issued to an individual and is used by the government to track an individual's earnings and to administer benefits programs.

The first three digits of the SSN are known as the "area number." The middle two digits are known as the "group number." The last four digits are known as the "serial number."

The area number is assigned by the SSA based on the state in which the individual was born. The group number is assigned randomly. The serial number is assigned sequentially, starting with 0001.

The following is an example of an SSN:

123-45-6789 Does your SSN tell where you were born? Yes, your SSN does tell where you were born. The first three digits of your SSN indicate the state in which you were born.

How do you tell when your SSN was issued?

The best way to find out when your Social Security number was issued is to request a copy of your Social Security Statement. This statement includes a history of your earnings and an estimate of your benefits at retirement. The statement also lists the year your number was issued. If you cannot find your statement, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and request a copy.

Is your SSN on your passport? No, your Social Security number (SSN) is not on your passport. Your SSN is a unique nine-digit number issued to you by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is used to track your earnings and report them to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax purposes. The SSA also uses it to keep track of your eligibility for social security benefits. How many number is SSN? There are nine digits in a Social Security number. The first three digits are the area number, the middle two digits are the group number, and the last four digits are the serial number.