When Social Security Numbers (SSNs) originated, the first three digits were determined by the Zip Code of the mailing address shown on the application for an SSN – but this changed in 2011. To increase the number of SSNs available for use by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and to help reduce identity theft, SSA changed the methodology by which SSNs are issued. In June 2011, SSA began to issue SSNs randomly, regardless of the address on the application. As a result, SSA can now continue to issue SSNs in all areas of the country for many more years without having to make additional changes.
What changed?
- SSA no longer issues SSNs based on geography.
- SSA now issues SSNs with the number “8” in position 1.
- SSA now includes all possible SSNs with the number “7” in position 1 (previously, SSNs that started with “7” are for certain states and other specific groups).
What did not change?
- SSA does not issue SSNs beginning with the number “9.”
- SSA does not issue SSNs beginning with the number “666” in positions 1 – 3.
- SSA does not issue SSNs beginning with the number “000” in positions 1 – 3.
- SSA does not issue SSNs with the number “00” in positions 4 – 5.
- SSA does not issue SSNs with the number “0000” in positions 6 – 9.
More information is available via the resource links below.
Information and Instructions to Verify Social Security Numbers Online
www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/ssnv.htm#overview
Social Security Number Allocations
www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/stateweb.htm
Social Security Number Randomization