What is a Social Security Number?

A Social Security number is a 9-digit number issued to citizens after each child is born, to permanent residents and to temporary (working) residents. Each is a unique number, with the exception of the first 3-digits, which identifies the State that issued the original number.

The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the U.S. Federal Government. Its primary purpose is to track individuals in employment for taxation purposes and to receive "Social Security" later in life as a benefit from having had worked during life.