Understanding US Social Security Numbers
The Social Security Number (SSN) is the primary identifier for U.S. citizens and residents. Originally created for tracking Social Security benefits, it has evolved into a crucial form of identification used for:
- Employment verification
- Tax reporting
- Banking and credit
- Government benefits
- Healthcare services
Each SSN is unique and remains with an individual throughout their lifetime. The Social Security Administration (SSA) carefully manages the issuance of these numbers to prevent fraud and maintain security.