Social Security number

In the United States, a Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2). The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration, an independent agency of the United States government. Although the original purpose for the number was for the Social Security Administration to track individuals,[1] the Social Security number has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes.[2]

Quick facts: Acronym, Organization, Introduced, No. o... ▼

Social Security number

A Social Security card issued by the Railroad Retirement Board in 1943
Acronym	SSN
Organization	Social Security Administration
Introduced	November 1936; 86 years ago (1936-11)
No. of digits	9

A Social Security number may be obtained by applying on Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card.[3]