The first 3 digits of an SSN are called its area number (AN), the next 2 are its group number (GN), and the last 4 are its serial number (SN). The SSA openly provides information about the process through which ANs, GNs, and SNs are issued (1).7 Jul 2009
Does your social security number 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.29 Sept 2017
How Do Social Security numbers get assigned?
Social Security numbers, also known as SSNs, are allocated through a process called randomization that was introduced in June 2011. The two-digit group number divided numbers into blocks within those geographic areas, and the four-digit serial number individualized each full number within that block.20 Feb 2020
What do the middle 2 numbers in Social Security mean?
group numbers
Can SSN have 9 digits?
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.
Do all Social Security numbers have 10 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.20 Oct 2021
Why is SSN only 9 digits?
Because an SSN is convenient, reliable, unique to each individual, and in many cases required by law, it has become an important 9-digit number that follows a person throughout a lifetime. The age of technology has increased the benefits of its usage while increasing the need for security.2 Jan 2020
Are SSN 8 digits?
In the United States, a Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2).
How many 9 digit Social Security numbers can be made if the number?
The current population of the United States is around 320 million people so this number makes sense. Social Security Numbers are 9 digits long and usually formatted with two hyphens like "###-##-####." With 9 digits there are theoretically 1 billion combinations.