How are Social Security Numbers Assigned

Social Security Number, abbreviated as SSN, is a nine digit code number issued to the citizens of the United States and also to temporary and permanent residents, as a national identification number. Previously, SSN was used to track the accounts of people for social security programs like taxation and retirement benefits. In recent times, this number is used for individual identification of people residing within the United States.

At times, more than one individual share the same name or date of birth. In such a case, it creates confusion while retrieving an individual's personal information. Considering this, SSN is used as a unique number for various purposes, such as, maintaining student data, employee files, patient records, health insurance accounts, banking accounts and also for credit records. Social Security Numbers are assigned by following certain rules. Let's discuss in brief how Social Security Numbers are assigned and types of Social Security cards.

Process of Assigning Social Security Numbers (SSN)

Social Security Numbers are assigned to applicable individuals by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which is an a independent body of the government of United States. As many social security fraud and / or identity theft cases have been reported by using an individuals' name and social security number, the Social Security Administration (SSA) imposes several stringent rules for issuing SSN cards.

For obtaining a Social Security Number, it is necessary to fill up Form-SS5, which is an application form for Social Security number card. After proper scrutiny, Social Security cards are issued to eligible persons, who meet the requirements stated by the SSA. The details issued on the Social Security number card are derived from the information that has been provided in the Form-SS5.

The structure of Social Security Numbers comprises three parts, which is designated as 'AAA-GG-SSSS'. The first field (AAA) consisting of three digits, is the area code in which the individual resides. Area numbers are attributed with reference to geographical locations; for an applicant, it is taken from the residential address (zip code) provided in the application form for SSN. The area number "000" is invalid.

The second field, a two digit number, represents the group number. Group number is assigned in accordance to the order in which the SSN is issued in a specific region. It consists of the number ranging from 01 - 99 (group number '00' is not applicable). Nevertheless, it is not issued in a serial wise pattern, rather it is assigned in series of odd numbers (01 - 09 and 11 - 99) and even numbers (02 - 08 and 10 - 98). For a specific area, group numbers of one series are issued first, after completion of which the next series is used.

The third field consisting of four digits is referred to as the serial number. In a particular area, this serial number is assigned in increasing order and may include any sequence from 0001 - 9999 (serial number 0000 is not used). In this way, Social Security Numbers are assigned. The resulting SSN is a unique code with reference to the area number, group number and serial number.

Types of Social Security Cards

There are three types of Social Security number cards, each of which is issued in accordance to the eligibility of the applicant. The most common unrestricted type is issued to US citizens and the permanent residents. In the card, the name of the cardholder and the Social Security number is mentioned. The other two types are issued under certain restrictions to temporary residents. Those who have work permit in US are issued with SSN card that reads "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION ", whereas those who do not hold permission to work are issued with "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT " SSN cards.

Social Security number of a deceased person can be retrieved from banking account records, personal papers, death certificates and employer records. In case of a living person, finding a SSN requires legal authority.