Social Security numbers

 I’ve had more than one person ask me about Social Security numbers and this comes right from the Social Security site ssa.gov. Is there any significance to the numbers assigned in the Social Security Number?

The answer is Yes. Originally, the first three digits are assigned by the geographical region in which the person was residing at the time he or she obtained a number. 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. The remaining six digits in the number are more or less randomly assigned and were organized to facilitate the early manual bookkeeping operations associated with the creation of Social Security in the 1930s.

Beginning on June 25, 2011, the SSA implemented a new assignment methodology for Social Security Numbers. The project is a forward-looking initiative of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help protect the integrity of the Social Security number (SSN) by establishing a new randomized assignment methodology. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide.

Protecting your Social Security number is key in a world where identity theft is a huge problem. Remember to Leave Your Card at Home. Shred Mail and Documents with Personal Details. Don't Use Your SSN as a Password. Don't Send Your SSN via an Electronic Device Don't Give It out to Strangers.