Are SSN unique?

Today, assigned randomly and never recycled, a social security number is as unique an identifier as your fingerprints. (Although, in the past, duplicates are known to have been issued accidentally.)

Does everyone have a unique SSN?

Every Social Security Number ever issued is as unique as a person's finger print. In fact, there are more than enough unique numbers to continue issuing new social security numbers for 50+ more years.

Is SSN a unique identifier?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine digit identification number that has become a universal identifier for both the government and the private sector in the U.S.

How does everyone have a different SSN?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) changed the way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued on June 25, 2011. This change is referred to as "randomization." The SSA developed this new method to help protect the integrity of the SSN.

Why are Social Security numbers not unique?

How does that happen? The Social Security Administration doesnt reuse SSNs and doesnt like changing anyones SSN. But the agency will sometimes do it in cases of domestic violence, identity theft, and religious or cultural objections (for example, numbers containing 666 are offensive to some people).

SSN not Unique Error

Can one person have two SSN?

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 someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique. The first five numbers represent when and where your Social Security card was issued. Scammers can figure out the first five numbers by determining your birth date and hometown.

Can I change my SSN?

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.

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.

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 Social Security number is secret?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Can I use my SSN as an ID?

Today there are 27 authorized uses of the SSN as the identifier for record-keeping or matching criteria. Private sector use of the SSN is neither specifically authorized nor restricted. People are asked for an SSN at banks, video rental outlets, hospitals, etc., and may refuse to give it.

What do the first 3 digits of your Social Security 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.

Do SSN 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.

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.

When a person dies what happens to their Social Security number?

In most cases, the funeral home will report the person's death to us. You should give the funeral home the deceased person's Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

What your SSN says about you?

The Serial Number

As you can see, your social security number does not expressly say anything about you. Even the area number, which was tied to a location for 76 years, cannot be used to accurately pinpoint a residence.

Does SSN show 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.

What is your SSN based on?

Since 1972, when SSA began assigning SSNs and issuing cards centrally from Baltimore, the area number assigned has been based on the ZIP code in the mailing address provided on the application for the original Social Security card.

Why do I have two Social Security numbers?

Many of the duplicate numbers were the result of data entry errors as opposed to deliberate falsification, but the fact that these multiple numbers exist shows that it may be difficult for an organization to rely solely on the SSN to verify an individual's identity.

What if my name doesn't match my Social Security card?

Check to see if your information matches the name and Social Security number on the employee's Social Security card. If it does not match, ask your employee to provide you with the exact information as it is shown on the employee's Social Security card.

What do you do if someone has the same Social Security number?

File a police report

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

How many SSN combinations 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 ...

What can someone do with the last 4 digits of your SSN?

As long as a hacker or scammer has access to other personal information such as your name and address, they can use the last four digits of your SSN (in most cases) to open accounts in your name, steal your money and government benefits, or even get healthcare and tax refunds in your name.

How do I decode my social security number?