Request Social Security number for the first time (2024)

FAQs

Request Social Security number for the first time? ›

Visit your local SSA office.

For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Apply for a Social Security number

If you're in the U.S., you can apply online, then go to a local Social Security office to provide your documentation. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a Social Security card with your number on it by mail within 14 days.

To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.

Social Security numbers were grouped by the first three digits of the number (called the area number) and assigned geographically starting in the northeast and moving across the country to the northwest.

No, there is no way to search for your Social Security number online. You'll need to search through your personal records to find your SSN or request a new Social Security card. How can I look up my SSN? Your Social Security number might be on some of your tax records or financial documents.

Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.

The first three numbers are called the area number. The area number shows the region or state where a person was born, and was first adopted in 1936. Here are some links to more information about social security area numbers: Area Numbers Chart.

If you had your child as a dependent on a previous tax return, you can find their SS number there. Otherwise, you need to Contact the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov.

Just go to www.ssa.gov/retirement and select Learn how to apply. Scroll down and select Start application in the Submit an Application box, then accept the terms of service to begin.

Can you ask for SSN over the phone? ›

You should never provide your SSN to someone you don't know who calls you on the phone and requests it. This same warning applies to unsolicited emails and any forms you fill out on the Internet. In general, don't give your SSN to anyone unless you are absolutely certain they have a reason and a right to have it.

Yes, the Social Security Administration may allow you to modify your number in certain instances. However, unlike your phone number, you can't change your Social Security number at the drop of a hat. You'll need to request a change from the SSA with a legitimate reason and proof to substantiate your request.

For assistance call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.

The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group.

Number Has Three Parts

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

CONTACTING SOCIAL SECURITY

You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).

You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.

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