Social Security Number (SSN)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents for the purpose of tracking individuals for Social Security benefits and taxation. It is a unique identifier that serves various purposes, including but not limited to, establishing Credit, obtaining loans, and accessing government services.
SSNs are typically formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX. For example, 123-45-6789 is a valid SSN. Each number is unique to the individual it is assigned to.
Cases of SSN usage include:
- Applying for a job, where employers may require an SSN for tax reporting purposes.
- Opening a bank account, as Financial Institutions often need an SSN to comply with federal regulations.
- Filing taxes, where individuals must provide their SSN on their tax Returns.
- Receiving Social Security benefits, as the SSN is crucial for tracking eligibility and benefits received.