The SSN Numbering Scheme
Number Has Three Parts
The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts:
- 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
Area Number
The Area Number is assigned by the geographical region. Prior to 1972, cards were issued in local Social Security offices around the country and the Area Number represented the State in which the card was issued. This did not necessarily have to be the State where the applicant lived, since a person could apply for their card in any Social Security office. 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. The applicant's mailing address does not have to be the same as their place of residence. Thus, the Area Number does not necessarily represent the State of residence of the applicant, either prior to 1972 or since.
Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward. So people on the east coast have the lowest numbers and those on the west coast have the highest numbers.
Note: One should not make too much of the "geographical code." It is not meant to be any kind of useable geographical information. The numbering scheme was designed in 1936 (before computers) to make it easier for SSA to store the applications in our files in Baltimore since the files were organized by regions as well as alphabetically. It was really just a bookkeeping device for our own internal use and was never intended to be anything more than that.
Group Number
Within each area, the group number (middle two (2) digits) range from 01 to 99 but are not assigned in consecutive order. For administrative reasons, group numbers issued first consist of the ODD numbers from 01 through 09 and then EVEN numbers from 10 through 98, within each area number allocated to a State. After all numbers in group 98 of a particular area have been issued, the EVEN Groups 02 through 08 are used, followed by ODD Groups 11 through 99.
| Group numbers are assigned as follows: |
ODD - 01, 03, 05, 07, 09------EVEN - 10 to 98
EVEN - 02, 04, 06, 08------ODD - 11 to 99 |
See the latest Social Security Number Monthly Issuance Table for the latest SSN area ranges issued to date. Alleged Social Security numbers containing area numbers other than those found on that table are impossible.
Serial Number
Within each group, the serial numbers (last four (4) digits) run consecutively from 0001 through 9999.
Debunking a Myth About Social Security Numbers
FAQs
For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How do I get my entire work history from Social Security? ›
To get a copy of your non-government employment/pay history, we recommend you visit your local Social Security Administration office or visit https://www.ssa.gov/ .
What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security? ›
Claiming too early
This may be the single biggest issue impacting Americans because Social Security allows people to begin collecting their benefits when they turn 62, or about five years before the full retirement age for most people.
How do you know if you have enough points for Social Security? ›
You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive.
At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›
Social Security tax FAQs
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
What's the fastest you can get approved for disability? ›
While some people are approved in as little as 30 days, others can wait a year or longer before they receive a final decision.
How far back does Social Security look at your work history? ›
SECTION 2 - INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR WORK
List all the jobs that you have had in the 15 years before you became unable to work because of your illnesses, injuries, or conditions.
Why does SSA ask for work history? ›
The report helps the Social Security Administration (SSA) understand how your disability affects your ability to work based on the tasks you've previously performed. For those who haven't worked recently, information about past jobs can still significantly impact your application.
Does an SSN check show employment history? ›
Mistakes or fraud could result in incorrect addresses or names becoming associated with an applicant's Social Security number. An SSN trace also doesn't provide comprehensive information about an applicant such education or employment history.
What is the one year rule for Social Security? ›
There is a special rule that applies to earnings for 1 year, usually the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you can get a full Social Security benefit for any whole month you are retired and earnings are below the monthly limit.
There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.
Will SS be around in 30 years? ›
Social Security will still exist after 2035, according to the trustees' findings, but retirees will only receive 83% of their full benefits. Preventing that shortfall requires congressional action and would likely involve trimming benefits or increasing the Social Security payroll tax.
What is the 10 year rule for Social Security? ›
If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62. We base Social Security benefits on your lifetime earnings.
What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›
Depending on your income, you can earn up to four credits a year. In 2024, workers earn one Social Security and Medicare credit for $1,730 in covered earnings. Under the five-year rule, people 31 and older must have worked at least five out of the last 10 years to be eligible for SSDI.
Can I retire if I have 40 credits? ›
You need a minimum of 40 credits to qualify for a Social Security benefit. Once you have the minimum credits you can retire as early as age 62 with a reduced benefit.
Where can I get the best Social Security advice? ›
Our website is the best way for most people to get help. our website, call our National 800 Number (1-800-772-1213) or your local Social Security office for help. We will schedule an appointment for you, if necessary, to serve you by phone or in person.
Is there really a $16728 Social Security bonus? ›
Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.
Who can advise me on Social Security? ›
A Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®) will provide you with a unique Social Security plan, to help you decide on the optimal claiming decisions. Using the RSSA Roadmap® Optimization Software, an RSSA® will help you maximize your Social Security claiming strategy to increase your lifetime benefits.
What are the most frequently asked questions about Social Security? ›
- When Am I Eligible? Individuals are eligible for full retirement benefits as early as 65 or as late as 67. ...
- How Is Eligibility Determined? ...
- How Much Do I Pay in? ...
- How Much Will I Get? ...
- Can I Get Social Security If I Work? ...
- How Does the Spousal Benefit Work? ...
- Do I Owe Taxes on Social Security? ...
- How Do I Apply for Benefits?
