What age do you get your Social Security number?

12 or older
Anyone age 12 or older who requests an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. This applies even if a parent or guardian will sign the application on the child’s behalf. We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship.

Is your Social Security number issued at birth?

Assigned at birth, the SSN enables government agencies to identify individuals in their records and businesses to track an individual’s financial information.

Does everyone get a Social Security number?

Does Everyone Have To Have a Social Security Number? Essentially, yes. You need a Social Security number to apply for a job or a credit card, and you can’t collect Social Security benefits in retirement or obtain some other government services without having one.

How do you get a Social Security number?

Visit your local SSA office.

You can file your application for an SSN card in person at any SSA office. Be prepared to provide your original documents to prove your age, identity and work-authorized immigration status. All evidence of immigration status and work authorization must be unexpired.

Is 123456789 a valid SSN?

The social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Social security numbers are considered invalid by the SSA when they meet any of the following criteria: All zeros (000000000) … Consecutive digits in numerical order (123456789)

How do I obtain my child’s Social Security number?

If you had your child as a dependent on a previous tax return, you can find their SS number there. Otherwise, you need to Contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.

Who can ask for your Social Security number?

Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law.

What do you do if you don’t have a Social Security number?

If you don’t have a Social Security number, the college or school should be able to give you another identification number. Social Security numbers generally are assigned to people who are authorized to work in the United States.

What do the first 3 numbers of a Social Security number 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. … The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of our offices in that State.

Why would a family member need your Social Security number?

Your child’s Social Security number is the first step in ensuring valuable protection for any benefits they may be eligible for in the future. You’ll need your child’s Social Security number to claim them as a dependent on your income tax return or open a bank account in the child’s name and buy savings bonds.

Why does a doctor need your Social Security number?

Most healthcare providers will ask you for your Social Security number when you are seeking medical care. They often require this so that they can collect payment for healthcare services and verify your identity when it comes to looking up your health records.

What do the last 4 digits of SSN mean?

Serial 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.

Can you have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Although the last four digits of your Social Security number are very freely shared, they are, in fact, the most important part to protect. … Only the last four digits of your Social Security number are truly random and unique.

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.

What is a 900 Social Security number?

Facts. The Social Security Administration has never issued a number in the 800 or 900 range. Therefore, a number beginning in 999 is not valid.

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: … You have religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in your original number.

Can a SSN start with 9?

SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “9”. … SSA will not issue SSNs with the number “00” in positions 4 – 5. • SSA will not issue SSNs with the number “0000” in positions 6 – 9.

Can an SSN start with 999?

Any number beginning with “000”, “666”, “900-999”, has a middle “00”, or ends in “0000” will never be a valid SSN. Originally, the first three digits were assigned by the geographical region in which the person was residing at the time the number was assigned.

Can two people have the same social security number?

With rare exception, the answer is no. When it does occur legitimately, the two SSNs are cross-referenced such as a replacement identity theft or family members wanting sequential numbers. Otherwise, the use of two social security numbers is human error or fraud.

Are there 10 digit Social Security numbers?

The SSN is a 10-digit number, issued by the Social Security Administration, a U.S. government agency, that is used to track tax payments and issuance of benefits for U.S. citizens, permanent residents (“Green Card” holders), and other resident and non-resident aliens with work authorization.

Who got the first Social Security number?

John D. Sweeney, Jr.
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.

Are SSN 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 a Social Security number end in 9999?

The group number has no special geographic or data significance. … SSN is given a serial number from the series 2001-2999 and 7001-7999. The last three serial numbers issued are 9998, 9999, and 7999. Serial number 0000 is never used.

What are the middle two digits of a Social Security number?

Group number

Group numbers are the two digits in the middle of your SSN. Your group number can range from 01 to 99.

Can SSN be more than 9 digits?

Every Social Security Number is unique, and the agency has issued around 450 million cards since the programs was created in 1935. With a tweak to the numbering scheme a decade ago, the nine-digit combination will be able to continue to issue new numbers for at least another 50 years.