What Do Social Security Numbers Represent?
Your Social Security number plays a vital part of your life. A Social Security number is needed to track and receive benefits including Social Security, disability and unemployment. The nine-digit number is also needed by the Internal Revenue Service for taxation. Believe it or not, there is some meaning behind your Social Security number.
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About Social Security Cards
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Social Security dates back to the 1930s, when the program was created by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Given out by the Social Security Administration, the numbers were originally used as a way of identifying individuals within the Social Security program. Now income is reported using the numbers. When a credit check is run, Social Security numbers are needed. Many personal, medical and educational records are also kept using the numbers. Social Security numbers include three parts: area numbers, group numbers, and serial numbers.
Area Numbers
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Since 1973, the first three numbers represent the ZIP code of the address on the Social Security number application, according to the Social Security Administration website. Prior to 1973, Social Security numbers were given out according to the administration office that issued the identification number. Originally, numbers began in the Northeast and moved west. Those located in the Northeast had lower numbers than those out west.
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Group Numbers
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The middle two numbers, known as group numbers, range from 01 to 99. Group numbers are determined by the area in a state. The numbers help to divide all Social Security numbers into smaller chunks, assisting with keeping track of the numbers. The group number 00 is never used in a Social Security number.
Serial Numbers
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The final four digits in a Social Security number comprise the serial numbers. Serial numbers range from 0001 to 9999 and are allocated chronologically within area and group numbers. Prior to 1965, serial numbers were issued in random order. Now they are given out in increasing order within each area and group number. The serial number 0000 is never assigned with a Social Security number.
Other Information
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The Social Security Administration recommends being cautious about giving out your Social Security number, to protect against fraud. If someone asks for your number, you should question why it's needed, how the number will be employed and what law says you need to provide it. The Social Security Administration also has safeguards in place if a card is lost or stolen. Those who apply for a new card must provide identification. Social Security numbers are never reused after a person's death.
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