Social Security number

PD social security card

Social security card

Social Security card (09-61)

Walletssn2

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). The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA), an agency of the federal government. Its primary purpose is to track individuals for Social Security purposes, but it has also become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes.

History

The Social Security number was created in 1936 as part of The New Deal to serve as an account number for the administration of the Social Security program. Initially, SSNs were intended solely to track earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits. However, over time, the SSN has been adopted for a wide range of purposes beyond its original social insurance function, including to track individuals for taxation, credit reporting, and identification.

Structure

A Social Security number is composed of three parts: the area number, the group number, and the serial number. The area number reflects the state in which the SSN was issued. This part of the SSN has undergone changes over time, especially with the introduction of the SSN randomization policy in 2011, which eliminated the geographical significance of the first three digits. The group number is the middle two digits and does not hold any specific geographical or chronological significance. The serial number is the last four digits and is issued sequentially within each group number.

Uses

While the original purpose of the SSN was to track workers' earnings and eligibility for Social Security benefits, its use has expanded significantly. Today, SSNs are required for a wide range of activities, including opening a bank account, obtaining credit, enrolling in Medicare, and filing a tax return. The widespread use of SSNs as a de facto national identification number has raised privacy and security concerns, particularly in relation to identity theft.

Privacy and Security Concerns

The extensive use of Social Security numbers has led to increased risks of identity theft and fraud. In response, there have been calls for greater protection of individuals' SSNs and for the development of alternative methods of identification and authentication. Various laws, such as the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, have been enacted to provide some protections.

Future of the Social Security Number

Debate continues about the role of the Social Security number in American society, with some advocating for its replacement or the introduction of additional secure forms of identification. The Social Security Administration and other federal agencies have been exploring ways to enhance the security of SSNs and to reduce their misuse.