How do Social Security Numbers work?

Your social security number has a secret code – here’s how it works.

If you live in and or were born in the U.S., chances are you have a social security number. These numbers were created in the 1930s to specifically track how much citizens earned so the Social Security program could accurately pay out benefits when people reached retirement ages. However, today, the system has expanded to any number of personal identification needs throughout the government and private sector.
In essence, your social security number is the barcode that identifies you in the US.

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