What does it mean if a SSN starts with an 8?

If a Social Security Number (SSN) starts with an 8, it means the number was issued after the Social Security Administration (SSA) began randomizing numbers in June 2011, moving away from geographical assignments, so an "8" is now a valid starting digit, though historically, numbers starting with 8 (or 9) were considered invalid for a long time. The key takeaway is that a number beginning with an "8" is valid today, but it's crucial to know that old systems or outdated databases might flag it as fake, so the SSA provides fact sheets to explain the randomization.

What does it mean when your Social Security number starts with an 8?

The numbers beginning with 8 or 9 were issued as pseudo numbers by the Social Security Administration many years ago, by the Internal Revenue Service, and other organizations as a means to identify certain individuals. These numbers are not valid SSNs.

What do the first 3 digits of SSN represent?

As a result of the June 1936 decision, the current SSN is composed of three parts: The first three digits are the area number. The next two digits are the group number. The final four digits are the serial number.

Can a social start with 888?

SSA will begin assigning SSNs in previously unused numeric ranges, including the range beginning with "8". This change at SSA will impact Federal Student Aid's process for assigning pseudo SSNs beginning with “888” to students from the Pacific Islands.

Is SSN 8 digit?

Social Security Number (SSN) : a nine-digit number assigned to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The number is assigned for tax and wage purposes. Under US federal law, any person working in the USA for compensation (wages, salary, etc) must have an SSN. This includes international employees.

Your Social Security Number & Card: What You Need to Know

How to spot a fake SSN number?

To spot a fake SSN, check for formatting errors (like all zeros or consecutive digits), use the Social Security Administration's verification service for employers (SSNVS) for official checks, look for inconsistencies with the applicant's age or history (e.g., issued before birth), and examine the physical card for raised printing (intaglio) and security features like planchettes (tiny colored discs).
 

Can an ITIN start with 8?

The ITIN is a nine-digit number that always begins with the number nine and has a range of numbers from 50 to 65, 70 to 88, 90 to 92, and 94 to 99 for the fourth and fifth digits. The ITIN is formatted like an SSN: 9XX-XX-XXXX.

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

To get $3,000 a month from Social Security, you generally need a high lifetime income, averaging around $9,000+ monthly over your best 35 years, and ideally wait until at least your full retirement age (FRA), or even age 70, for maximum benefits, as claiming early reduces payments significantly; increasing high-earning years by working longer or in higher-paying jobs are the main strategies to reach this goal. 

Do social security numbers get reused after death?

No, Social Security numbers (SSNs) are not reused or recycled after a person's death; they are retired and marked as inactive in the Social Security Administration (SSA) system, preventing reassignment to anyone else, ensuring they remain available for estate, inheritance, and benefit processing long after the original owner passes, with randomization ensuring enough numbers for future generations. 

How do I know what state my SSN was issued in?

Your Social Security Number (SSN) has an "area number" (first three digits) that indicated the state of issuance before June 2011, based on where you applied, not necessarily where you lived; after that, numbers are assigned randomly, so the area number no longer has geographic meaning, but you can use online tools or contact the SSA to find your original issue state if needed.
 

Can you tell where a person was born by their Social Security number?

You can sometimes guess the state of application from the first three digits (Area Number) of an SSN issued before June 2011, but it's not a birth location, and since 2011, numbers are randomized with no geographic meaning; the SSN itself doesn't directly reveal birth location, but the area code indicates the region where the application was filed, which might align with birth, but often not, as people apply at different ages/places. 

Can two people have the same SSN?

Yes, it is possible, though highly unusual and not legitimate, for two people to have the same Social Security Number (SSN) due to errors, fraud, or data mix-ups, leading to significant problems like financial disruption and identity theft, and while the SSA doesn't reuse numbers, issues arise from system glitches, similar names/birthdays, or data entry mistakes. 

Does your SSN determine your age?

No, your Social Security Number (SSN) doesn't directly show your age, but for older numbers (issued before 2011), the first digits could indicate the state and approximate year of issuance, hinting at age, while newer SSNs are randomized and contain no personal info like age or location. While you can't easily tell age from the number itself, the Social Security Administration (SSA) links the number to your birth date, so employers and institutions running background checks can verify your age and other details by checking with the SSA.
 

What is the oldest SSN?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

What determines the first 3 digits of your SSN?

Prior to June 25, 2011, the first three digits (the area number) indicated the geographic region where the person applied for their Social Security card. Numbers were assigned by state or territory. After 2011, the SSA implemented randomization, and these digits no longer have geographical significance.

Is 999 99 9999 a real SSN?

No valid SSN has 9 identical digits or has the 9 digits running consecutively from 1-9. For example, all of the following SSNs are invalid: 111-11-1111. 999-99-9999.

Do I get my husband's full SS if he dies?

Surviving spouse, at full retirement age or older, generally gets 100% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Surviving spouse, age 60 or older, but younger than full retirement age, gets between 71% and 99% of the worker's basic benefit amount.

Can I change my SSN?

Yes, you can change your Social Security Number (SSN), but only for specific, serious reasons like identity theft, abuse, harassment, or life endangerment, requiring in-person application at a Social Security office with extensive documentation proving your situation. You can't change it just because you dislike the number or for general convenience, as the SSA links your new number to your old records for continuity, and it's a significant process with potential impacts on credit and work history. 

Why are Americans getting a $4800 check today?

Americans are set to receive a Social Security check worth up to $4,800 today, but not all seniors are happy about the increase in monthly payments. Social Security benefits grew by 3.2 percent this year, in accordance with this year's calculated cost of living adjustment (COLA).

How much Social Security will you get if you make $60,000 a year?

If you consistently earn around $60,000 annually over your career, you can expect a monthly Social Security benefit of roughly $2,100 to $2,300 at your full retirement age (FRA), but the exact amount varies by your birth year and claiming age; for instance, at FRA, it's around $2,311 based on 2025 bend points, while claiming at 62 yields less and claiming at 70 yields more, with an official estimate available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. 

Is SSN starting with 8 valid?

Yes, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) can start with an 8 now, but historically they couldn't; numbers beginning with 8 were once considered invalid "pseudo" numbers, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) started issuing them as legitimate SSNs starting in 2011 when they began randomizing assignments, meaning guides published before then are outdated. 

What numbers are not allowed in SSN?

SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “666” in positions 1 – 3. SSA will not issue SSNs beginning with the number “000” in positions 1 – 3. SSA will not issue SSNs with the number “00” in positions 4 – 5. SSA will not issue SSNs with the number “0000” in positions 6 – 9.

What does a Social Security number reveal about me?

Your Social Security number serves as the primary means to confirm your identity. It's uniquely tied to your name and date of birth. In cases where individuals share common names, additional details like your middle name, driver's license number, and previous addresses help establish your specific identity.