We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Taxation

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a SSN?

By J. Beam
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 23,752
References
Share

SSN is the widely accepted acronym that stands for Social Security Number. It is a 9-digit, personal identification number issued to U.S. citizens and permanent residents by the United States Social Security Administration. The SSN is one of the most important numbers an individual can have. People must have this number to apply for a job, receive any government assistance, file taxes, and obtain a mortgage or credit. For all of these reasons, it is also one of the most private pieces of personal information an individual uses, and should be kept private.

Though SSNs weren't issued until 1936, they were originally created as part of the New Deal Social Security Program and were used only for tax purposes. This meant that most children weren't required to have one before the age of 14. However, in 1986, a new law was instated requiring children over 5 to have a SSN before they could be claimed as dependents by their parents. Today, children need one before their first birthday.

The Social Security Administration is an office of the United States Federal Government and the only source for obtaining a legally issued Social Security number. In recent years, the SSN has become interconnected with more than just taxes, because it used by banks, colleges, and other primary business entities as proof of identification. This is how the number has become the prime target for identity theft. With an individual's SSN in their possession, thieves can easily apply for credit and obtain other identity and financial means fraudulently.

For newly born citizens or new permanent residents to obtain a SSN, they must contact their local Social Security office. If a person believes that his or her number has been compromised, it is important that he or she contact the administration for information on the steps necessary to protect his or her credit and identity. They can offer assistance and tell the person what can be done to avoid potential personal and financial devastation.

Share
SmartCapitalMind is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By Sunny27 — On Aug 06, 2010

Suntan12- If you suffer from a stolen SSN card those results in identity theft, not only should you contact the credit bureaus, but the Social Security Administration as well. They could be found at ssn.gov.

You should also consider obtaining another valid SSN number.

In addition, you should also contact the IRS.

By suntan12 — On Aug 06, 2010

SSN records help the government identify who you are. SSN cards are required on credit applications as well as employment applications.

SSN verification is often done when applying for employment at a company because the company has to verify your legal status in the country.

Also, when you apply for a loan or any type of credit, this number is also used to track your credit worthiness.

Share
https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-a-ssn.htm
Copy this link
SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

SmartCapitalMind, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.