How is a Social Security number determined?
A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit number assigned to individuals by the Social Security Administration. These nine digits are broken into a three-digit area number, a two-digit group number, and a four-digit serial number separated by hyphens.Area NumberThe first three digits are the area number. Prior to 1972, the area number corresponded to the state where the application for the Social Security number was submitted. Since 1972, the area number corresponds to the ZIP code used in the mailing address of the application.Group NumberThe next two digits are used to designate the block number from which the Social Security number was issued.Serial NumberThe remaining four digits of the Social Security number identify the number within the group. These numbers range from 0001 through 9999.Lowest Social Security NumberThe group number 001 was initially assigned to New Hampshire so that the Social Security Board Chairman John Winant could receive the Social Security number 001-
