 Show The purpose of this article is to help you understand how Social Security Numbers are assigned. In 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) changed the way they assign Social Security Numbers (SSNs). The new method uses a process called “randomization” to assign SSNs. The Administration developed a new method to help protect the integrity of the SSN and to extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN (instead of adding additional digits). SSN Randomization changes the assignment process in a number of ways. First, it eliminates the geographical importance of the first three digits. Also, the new randomization process eliminates the significance of the highest group number. As a result, the High Group List is frozen in time and can only be used to see the area and group numbers SSA issued prior to the randomization implementation date. In the United States, a Social Security number is a number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and people that are temporarily working in the country. The number is issued to an individual by the SSA, an agency of the federal government. Its primary purpose is tracking working individuals for taxation purposes and to track Social Security benefits. Since it was initially introduced, the SSN has become the primary national identification number, even though it was not originally intended to be used as a form of identification. HistorySince 1972, numbers have been issued by the central office. 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. Previously, prior to 1972, social security numbers were assigned by SSA field offices. The number merely established that his/her card was issued by one of the SSA offices in that State. RandomizationIn 2011, the SSA changed the assignment process to a process known as SSN randomization. This process eliminates the geographical significance of the first three digits of the number. Below is an explanation of how the numbers were assigned under the old system that was in effect prior to 2011. The Social Security number consists of nine (9) digits, usually written in the format – 1 2 3 – 4 5 – 6 7 8 9. The first three digits of a social security number denote the area (or State) where the application for an original Social Security number was filed. 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. Within each group, the serial numbers (last four (4) digits) run consecutively from 0001 through 9999. The chart below shows how Group numbers are assigned:
Follow is a list of social security number prefixes for each state. The listing is organized in ascending order based on the SSN prefix, with the corresponding issuing state listed. Remember, these apply only to numbers issued prior to 2011 under the old system. SSN Prefix = Issuing State 001-003 = New Hampshire 478 – 485 = Iowa Note: The number 666 has never been used and will not be used in the future. Please post a comment below if you are aware of any new number ranges. SSN RequirementsThere is no law directly requiring a natural-born United States citizen to apply for a Social Security number to live or work in the United States. However, some people still live without a number because they view it as a voluntary government program. Those who don’t get a number find it difficult to engage in normal acts of commerce or banking activities because they can’t provide an SSN. Additional ResourcesIf you’d like to learn more about the process, visit the Social Security Administration website. On the website, you can:
Questions and CommentsIf you have any questions, please post a comment below. Does your SSN tell where you were born?All social security numbers start with three digits, then two in the middle, and finish with four numbers. The first three numbers are called the area number. The area number shows the region or state where a person was born, and was first adopted in 1936.
What do the 2 middle numbers in social security mean?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.
Does your SSN tell your 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 state was my SSN issued?1. The first three digits (the area number) of a SSN are determined by the state where the number was issued. You can get the state-assigned list for each 3-digit origination code by visiting http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/stateweb.htm.
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What do the first 3 digits of your social security mean
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