What was the first Social Security number?

The first official Social Security record was created for John David Sweeney, Jr. (055-09-0001) in late 1936, though the very first SSN issued in the nationwide process is unknown, with some sources pointing to Grace Dorothy Owen (001-01-0001) as the first recipient of the lowest number. The first numbers were distributed via post offices starting in November 1936, but it was Sweeney's record that became the symbolic first, as his was the first completed application processed for a master record.

Do Amish have Social Security numbers?

No, most Old Order Amish do not have Social Security Numbers (SSNs) because they are religiously exempt from paying into the system, but they must file IRS Form 4029 to prove their exemption, and if they work for non-Amish employers, they might still need one or have taxes withheld, while Amish-owned businesses must pay SS taxes for their non-Amish workers. While they don't need SSNs for their exemption, the SSA sometimes assigns them for record-keeping, even if suppressed.
 

What are the first 3 digits of SSN?

The first three digits of a Social Security Number (SSN) used to indicate the state where the application was filed (the "area number"), but since June 25, 2011, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses "randomization," so these digits no longer have geographical meaning, making them harder for identity thieves to guess and extending the life of the SSN system. Before randomization, numbers were assigned geographically, generally from northeast to west, but invalid area numbers (like 000, 666, or 900-999) were never issued.
 

What is the most stolen Social Security number?

The most misused SSN of all time was (078-05-1120). In 1938, wallet manufacturer the E. H. Ferree company in Lockport, New York decided to promote its product by showing how a Social Security card would fit into its wallets. A sample card, used for display purposes, was inserted in each wallet.

Who has the oldest SSN?

A possibly-exasperated SSA then opted to simply turn to the first Social Security applicant in New Hampshire. That was Grace Owen of Concord, who was the first to turn in an application in the state and was also the first to have it typed up. Owen's SSN was 001-01-0001, the lowest—but not the first—SSN to be assigned.

Was the First-Ever Social Security Number Really 001-01-0001?

Who's Social Security number was 1?

However, since the Social Security numbers were not assigned in chronological order, Sweeney did not receive the lowest Social Security number, 001-01-0001. That distinction belongs to Grace D. Owen of Concord, New Hampshire.

Is SSN for lifetime?

A Social Security card is required for everyone who works in the U.S., including non-immigrants. The card contains a unique Social Security Number (SSN) that you will keep for life. You will need the number for many purposes in the U.S. including employment and paying taxes. A Social Security card is not a work permit.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000 a month in Social Security, you generally need high lifetime earnings, often requiring over $100,000 annually for your 35 highest-earning, inflation-adjusted years, and claiming benefits at your full retirement age (FRA) or waiting until age 70 for the maximum, though some high earners claim earlier for slightly less. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates benefits based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) from your top 35 years, so consistently earning above the wage base cap helps significantly. 

What's the worst thing someone can do with your SSN?

The worst thing someone can do with your Social Security Number (SSN) is commit full-blown identity theft, which involves creating a fake identity to open new credit, loans, bank accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, claim government benefits (like unemployment or healthcare), get a job, or even obtain a fake driver's license, leading to massive financial ruin, damaged credit, legal troubles, and long-term restoration efforts. 

Do social security numbers get reused after death?

Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.

Is SSN linked to date of birth?

Footnote: It is true that the application form for an SSN asks for identfying information, such as date of birth, place of birth, parents' names, and (optionally) the applicant's race. But none of this identifying information is encoded in the SSN itself--not the person's date of birth, place of birth, or race.

Do Amish ladies wear bras?

Yes, many Amish women wear bras, but they are typically simple, practical, white cotton bras, similar to what might be found in an "older lady" section of a store, rather than modern, lacy, or underwired styles, with some very conservative groups potentially using hand-sewn undergarments for modesty and nursing. The specific practices vary by community, as the Amish don't have a single set of rules, but practicality and modesty guide their clothing choices, including undergarments. 

What religion is exempt from Social Security?

Historically, the Amish and the Mennonites have been the religious groups that have utilized this provision.

Do Amish men use condoms?

No, generally Amish men do not use condoms or other modern birth control methods, as their religious beliefs emphasize having large families as God's blessing, though some individuals might use them due to health or financial concerns, despite it being discouraged, with no formal punishment but social disapproval. 

Who should you not give your SSN to?

Most of the time, it's OK to say no to schools, doctor's offices, sports clubs and many other organizations that may ask for this nine-digit identifier. In fact, safeguarding SSNs is a key first step to protecting against identity theft and other fraud.

Can someone steal my identity with the last 4 digits of social?

Thieves can try to trick you into giving them all or part of your number online or on the phone. Never give your personal information to someone who calls you and asks for it, even if they say they're from a bank or credit union. Be careful when giving people the last four digits of your number.

What is the #1 most common form of identity theft?

The #1 most common form of identity theft is Credit Card Fraud, which includes both using existing cards and opening new ones, followed closely by other financial fraud like bank fraud and loan/lease fraud, according to reports from the FTC and financial institutions. Financial identity theft, in general, is the most frequent, involving stealing personal data (like Social Security numbers or card details) for monetary gain, often through phishing or data breaches. 

Can you retire at 70 with $400,000?

Yes, you can likely retire at 70 with $400,000, but it requires a frugal lifestyle, relying heavily on Social Security and potentially annuities for guaranteed income, as $400k alone provides modest annual income ($16k-$20k initially) before inflation and longevity risks. A personalized plan balancing withdrawals, investments, and expenses (especially housing and healthcare) is crucial for making your savings last, potentially combining with other income sources like a pension or part-time work to create a more comfortable retirement. 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Social Security is claiming benefits too early (at age 62) without understanding the permanent reduction, which significantly lowers their monthly income for life, instead of waiting until their Full Retirement Age (FRA) or even age 70, where benefits grow substantially. Many also fail to consider how their decision impacts spousal or survivor benefits, missing out on thousands of dollars in potential lifetime income. 

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

If you consistently earn $60,000/year over your career, you can expect roughly $2,000 - $2,300 per month at your full retirement age (FRA), but this varies greatly by birth year and claiming age, with estimates suggesting around $2,311 at FRA for 2025 earners, and potentially more if you delay benefits past FRA (e.g., $3,000+) or less if claimed early. Your official estimate from the SSA website is essential, as factors like inflation adjustments and your actual earnings history (not just current income) matter. 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

That extra $144 (or more/less, depending on the year) isn't a standard Social Security payment; it's the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage plans, which reduces your Part B premium and adds money back to your Social Security check if you pay your premium that way, but you must have Medicare Parts A & B, pay your own premium, and live in the plan's service area. 

What happens to a deceased person's SSN?

Once the death certificate is processed and issued by Vital Statistics, Vital Statistics notifies the Social Security Administration that the person has passed away. This allows the Social Security Administration to update the SSA Death Master File with the deceased individual's name and social security number.

Can I retire on $500,000 plus Social Security?

Yes, retiring on $500k plus Social Security is possible for a modest lifestyle, but it depends heavily on your spending, location, health, and how you invest/withdraw funds; you'll likely need a budget, potentially part-time work, or a lower cost of living (like moving abroad) to make it comfortable long-term, as $500k alone provides only about $1,250-$2,000 monthly, requiring careful planning to outpace inflation and longevity risk.