A Social Security Number is a nine-digit identifier the federal government issues to track your work history, taxes, and benefits

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is issued by the Social Security Administration and stays with you for life. It looks like XXX-XX-XXXX — three digits, then two, then four. The government uses it to record how much you have earned, how much you have paid in taxes, and what benefits you may have earned through work. Banks, employers, and government agencies ask for it because it is the standard way to verify who you are and pull up your financial and work history.

You do not need to do anything to "activate" or maintain your Social Security Number once you have one. It is simply a record that exists in the Social Security Administration's database. The number itself does not expire, though the benefits tied to it change based on your age, work history, and life circumstances.

Key Takeaways

  • A Social Security Number is a nine-digit identifier issued once and used for your entire life to track earnings and benefits.
  • You receive an SSN automatically when you are born if a parent provides a Social Security Number on your birth certificate, or you can request one at any age.
  • The SSN is required to work legally in the United States, open a bank account, and file taxes.
  • You can check your earnings record and see what benefits you have earned by creating an account at ssa.gov.

When and How You Get a Social Security Number

Most people receive a Social Security Number shortly after birth. When you are born, a parent or guardian can request one on the birth certificate application. The Social Security Administration then issues the number automatically, and you receive a card in the mail within a few weeks.

If you were not assigned a number at birth, you can request one at any age. You will need to visit a Social Security office in person or apply by mail. You will need to bring proof of age (a birth certificate or passport), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, visa, or green card), and proof of identity (a driver's license or state ID). The process takes about two weeks once the Social Security Administration receives your documents.

If you are an immigrant or non-citizen, you can still receive a Social Security Number if you have a work visa, green card, or other legal status that permits employment. You cannot receive one on a tourist visa or student visa unless your school or employer sponsors you for work authorization.

What Your Social Security Number Is Used For

Your SSN is the primary tool employers use to report your wages to the government and to the Social Security Administration. When you start a job, you provide your SSN on the I-9 form, which verifies you are authorized to work. Your employer then reports your earnings under that number every year on a W-2 form.

The Social Security Administration uses your earnings record to calculate how much you will receive in retirement benefits, disability benefits, or survivor benefits. The more you earn and the longer you work, the higher your benefit amount will be. Your SSN is also used by the IRS to match your tax return to your earnings record and to prevent tax fraud.

Banks and credit card companies use your SSN to check your credit history and to report your payment behavior to credit bureaus. Landlords, utility companies, and government agencies also use it to verify your identity and check for outstanding debts or legal issues.

How to Check Your Earnings Record

The Social Security Administration maintains a record of every dollar you have earned under your Social Security Number. You can view this record yourself by creating a "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov. You will need to provide your SSN, date of birth, email address, and a phone number.

Once you log in, you can see your complete earnings history year by year, an estimate of your retirement benefit at different ages, an estimate of disability or survivor benefits you may have earned, and a record of any benefits you are currently receiving. You should check this record every few years to make sure the earnings are correct. If you spot an error — a missing year, an employer name that is wrong, or earnings that seem too low — you can contact the Social Security Administration to correct it.

Corrections can take several months, so it is worth checking your record while you are still working. If you wait until you file for benefits, an error in your earnings history could reduce your benefit amount permanently.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number is sensitive information. Anyone who has it can potentially open accounts in your name, take out loans, or file a tax return claiming your refund. You should not share your SSN unless you have a clear reason to do so — a job application, a bank account, a government benefit, or a medical provider.

Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Store it in a safe place at home. Do not post it on social media or in emails. If someone calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and asks for your number, hang up. The Social Security Administration does not call people unsolicited to ask for their SSN.

If you believe your Social Security Number has been stolen or misused, you can report it to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-269-0271 or by visiting ssa.gov. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Social Security Numbers and Immigration Status

If you are a non-citizen, your ability to receive a Social Security Number depends on your immigration status. If you have a green card, an employment-based visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.), or a work permit (DACA, TPS, etc.), you can receive an SSN. If you are undocumented, you cannot receive a Social Security Number, though some states issue Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) that allow you to file taxes and open bank accounts.

Having a Social Security Number does not change your immigration status or make you a citizen. It is simply a work and tax tracking number. However, if you are undocumented and you receive a Social Security Number fraudulently or under a false identity, that can create serious legal problems later, including deportation proceedings. If you are unsure about your immigration status and whether you can receive an SSN, speak with an immigration attorney before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Social Security Number?

Yes, but only in limited circumstances. The Social Security Administration will issue a new number if you can show that your current number has been stolen or misused, or if you are experiencing harassment or abuse. You cannot change your number simply because you want a different one. If you request a change, you will need to provide documentation of the theft, misuse, or abuse.

What happens to my Social Security Number when I die?

Your Social Security Number does not disappear. The Social Security Administration marks it as deceased in their records. Your family members may be may have access to to survivor benefits based on your earnings record — your spouse, children, or parents, depending on their age and relationship to you. They will need to contact the Social Security Administration to file a claim.

Do I need a Social Security Number to get a driver's license?

Requirements vary by state. Some states require an SSN to issue a driver's license; others do not. Some states issue licenses to non-citizens without an SSN. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need.

Can my employer use my Social Security Number for anything other than payroll?

Your employer should only use your SSN for payroll, tax reporting, and benefits administration. They should not share it with third parties without your permission. If your employer is using your SSN for other purposes, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor or your state's labor board.