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Social Security Number Randomization

The Social Security Administration is changing the way it assigns Social Security Numbers by implementing a randomization process beginning on June 25, 2011. This change aims to protect the integrity of the SSN and extend the longevity of the nine-digit number nationwide by eliminating the significance of the first three digits, which currently indicate a person's state of residence. It will also introduce previously unassigned three-digit area numbers, with the exception of 000, 666, and 900-999. While the length and format of the SSN will remain the same, this new randomized assignment process is expected to help reduce identity theft and fraud by making it more difficult to determine an individual's SSN based on publicly available information.

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414 views2 pages

Social Security Number Randomization

The Social Security Administration is changing the way it assigns Social Security Numbers by implementing a randomization process beginning on June 25, 2011. This change aims to protect the integrity of the SSN and extend the longevity of the nine-digit number nationwide by eliminating the significance of the first three digits, which currently indicate a person's state of residence. It will also introduce previously unassigned three-digit area numbers, with the exception of 000, 666, and 900-999. While the length and format of the SSN will remain the same, this new randomized assignment process is expected to help reduce identity theft and fraud by making it more difficult to determine an individual's SSN based on publicly available information.

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IAHN Negotiator
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Social Security Number (SSN) Randomization The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing the way Social Security

Numbers (SSNs) are issued. This change is referred to as "randomization." The SSA is developing this new method to help protect the integrity of the SSN. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide. The SSA began assigning the nine-digit SSN in 1936 for the purpose of tracking workers' earnings over the course of their lifetimes to pay benefits. Since its inception, the SSN has always been comprised of the three-digit area number, followed by the two-digit group number, and ending with the four-digit serial number. Since 1972, the SSA has issued Social Security cards centrally and the area number reflects the state, as determined by the ZIP code in the mailing address of the application. There are currently 435 million numbers available for assignment. However, the current SSN assignment process limits the number of SSNs that are available for issuance to individuals by each state. Changing the assignment methodology will extend the longevity of the nine digit SSN in all states. On July 3, 2007, the SSA published its intent to randomize the nine-digit SSN in the Federal Register Notice, Protecting the Integrity of Social Security Numbers [Docket No. SSA 2007-0046]. SSN randomization will affect the SSN assignment process in the following ways:

It will eliminate the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, currently referred to as the area number, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states. It will eliminate the significance of the highest group number and, as a result, the High Group List will be frozen in time and can be used for validation of SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date. Previously unassigned area numbers will be introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999.

These changes to the SSN may require systems and/or business process updates to accommodate SSN randomization.

Dated: 03/25/2011 By: Jonathan Greenstein ([email protected])

Publically Releasable Information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


What is Social Security Number (SSN) Randomization? The project is a forward looking initiative of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help protect the integrity of the SSN by establishing a new randomized assignment methodology. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide. When will SSN randomization take effect? The SSA plans to implement the new assignment methodology on June 25, 2011. Why is the SSA changing the way it assigns the SSN? The SSA believes that randomly assigning the SSN will help protect the integrity of the SSN. Changing assignment methodology will also extend the available pool of nine digit SSNs in every state. Will the SSA ever run out of SSNs? The nine-digit SSN will eventually be exhausted. The current SSN assignment process limits the number of SSNs that are available for assignment to individuals in each state. Randomization affords the SSA the opportunity to extend the number of SSNs available for assignment for many years. How will SSN randomization provide enhanced protection to my identity? As the SSN is increasingly used by public and private entities in conjunction with other tools and processes for identity verification, instances of SSN fraud, misuse, and identity theft are also on the rise. SSN randomization will help protect an individual's SSN by making it more difficult to reconstruct an SSN using public information. What changes will result from randomization? The SSA will eliminate the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, currently referred to as the area number, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states. The significance of the highest group number (the fourth and fifth digits of the SSN) for validation purposes will be eliminated. Randomization will also introduce previously unassigned area numbers for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999. Will SSN randomization assign group number (the fourth and fifth digits of the SSN) 00 or serial number (the last four digits of the SSN) 0000? SSN randomization will not assign group number 00 or serial number 0000. SSNs containing group number 00 or serial number 0000 will continue to be invalid. Will the SSN length change as a result of randomization? The length of the SSN will not change. The SSN will still be comprised of nine numeric digits. Will current number holders receive a new SSN and card? Current number holders will not receive a new SSN or a new card as a result of randomization. The new assignment process will only apply to those receiving an SSN for the first time.

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