When you’re building your personal credit, you will always be asked for your Social Security Number SSN) . This is because it’s a unique identification number, everyone in the US only has one, and no two people have the same number. This makes it a perfect method to store information in computer databases.
In case you were wondering, here’s how the numbers are assigned.
An SSN consists of nine digits, commonly written as three fields separated by hyphens: AAA-GG-SSSS. The first three-digit field is called the “area number”. The central, two-digit field is called the “group number”. The final, four-digit field is called the “serial number”.
The process of assigning numbers has been changed at least twice. Until 1965, only half the group numbers were used. Before 1972, numbers were assigned by field offices; since 1972, they have all been assigned by the central office. The order in which numbers were assigned was changed in the 1972 transition. There may have been other changes, but it’s difficult to get information on how things used to be done.
Area Numbers
The area numbers are assigned to geographical locations. They were originally assigned the same way that zip codes were later assigned (in particular, area numbers increase from east to west across the continental US as do the ZIP codes). Most area numbers were assigned according to state (or territorial) boundaries, although the series 700-729 was assigned to railroad workers regardless of location (this series of area numbers was discontinued in 1964 and is no longer used for new SSNs). Area numbers assigned prior to 1972 are an indication of the SSA office which originally issued the SSN. Since 1972 the area number in SSNs corresponds to the residence address given by the applicant on the application for the SSN.
In many regions the original range of area number assignments was eventually exhausted as population grew. The original area number assignments have been augmented as required. All of the original assignments were less than 585 (except for the 700-729 railroad worker series mentioned above). Area numbers of “000″ have never been issued.
001-003 NH
004-007 ME
008-009 VT
010-034 MA
035-039 RI
040-049 CT
050-134 NY
135-158 NJ
159-211 PA
212-220 MD
221-222 DE
223-231 VA
232-236 WV
237-246 NC
247-251 SC
252-260 GA
261-267 FL
268-302 OH
303-317 IN
318-361 IL
362-386 MI
387-399 WI
400-407 KY
408-415 TN
416-424 AL
425-428 MS
429-432 AR
433-439 LA
440-448 OK
449-467 TX
468-477 MN
478-485 IA
486-500 MO
501-502 ND
503-504 SD
505-508 NE
509-515 KS
516-517 MT
518-519 ID
520 WY
521-524 CO
525 NM *Guam, American Samoa,
526-527 AZ Philippine Islands,
528-529 UT Northern Mariana Islands
530 NV
531-539 WA
540-544 OR
545-573 CA
574 AK
575-576 HI
577-579 DC
580 VI Virgin Islands
581-584 PR Puerto Rico
585 NM
586 PI Pacific Islands*
587-588 MS
589-595 FL
596-599 PR Puerto Rico
600-601 AZ
602-626 CA
627-645 TX
646-647 UT
648-649 NM
650-699 unassigned, for future use
700-728 Railroad workers through 1963, then discontinued
729-799 unassigned, for future use
800-999 not valid SSNs.
Some sources have claimed that numbers above 900 were used when some state programs were converted to federal control, but current SSA documents claim no numbers above 799 have ever been used.
Group Numbers
The group number is not related to geography but rather to the order in which SSNs are issued for a particular area. Before 1965, only half the group numbers were used: odd numbers were used below 10 and even numbers were used above 9. In 1965 the system was changed so assignments continued with the low even numbers and the high odd numbers. So, group numbers for each area number are assigned in the following order:
Odd numbers, 01 to 09
Even numbers, 10 to 98
Even numbers, 02 to 08
Odd numbers, 11 to 99
Group codes of “00″ aren’t assigned
In each region, all possible area numbers are assigned with each group number before using the next group number. This means the group numbers can be used to find a chronological ordering of SSNs within a region. When new group numbers are assigned to a state, the old numbers are usually used up first.
SSA publishes a list every month of the highest group assigned for each SSN Area. For example, if the highest group assigned for area 999 is 72, then we know that the number 999-04-1234 is an invalid number because even Groups under 9 have not yet been assigned.
Serial Numbers
Serial numbers are assigned in chronological order within each area and group number as the applications are processed. Serial number “0000″ is never used. Before 1965, when number assignment was transferred from field offices to the central office, serial numbers may have been assigned in a strange order. (Some sources claim that 2000 and 7000 series numbers were assigned out of order. That no longer seems to be the case.) Currently, the serial numbers are assigned in strictly increasing order with each area and group combination.
Invalid SSNs
Any SSN conforming to one of the following criteria is an invalid number:
Any field all zeroes (no field of zeroes is ever assigned).
First three digits above 740
A pamphlet entitled “The Social Security Number” (Pub. No. 05-10633) provides an explanation of the SSN’s structure and the method of assigning and validating Social Security numbers.
From time to time due to circumstances of a busy life, I’m forced to use a credit millionaire credit repair and debt reduction strategy myself.
Today was one of those times.
I have a personal Bank of America credit card that I’ve owned since 1998.
A year ago, I took advantage of a low interest rate credit card offer and transferred a balance at 3.99%. Then I set up my bank account to cover the minimum payment and promptly forgot about it.
That low interest rate expired, rocketing my rate up to 24.99% last month. I didn’t notice.
So my mandatory monthly minimum payment went from around $300 to over $1,000! I, of course, was still paying the $300.
So last month I called, explained what happened, promised to pay the difference, and they removed the late fee from my credit card. It took approximately 30 seconds, and I was $40 richer.
This month I decided to tackle that high interest rate.
Me: Hello, Here’s my account number, social, mother’s maiden name, the age I was when I got my wisdom teeth and the color of my first car.
BOA: Thank you for being a valued customer since 1998. How can I be of service for you today, Ms Fox?
Me: I was looking at my credit card statement and I noticed that my interest rate is REALLY high. Since I’ve been a valued customer for so long, I was wondering if you could do anything about it.
BOA: Let me take a look (pauses) well, there doesn’t seem to be a lower interest rate available on that account because you had a late payment last month. Try calling back in a few months.
Me: Well, the payment was late because the interest rate increased, and my payments go out automatically so I didn’t notice it. You’ll see that the late fee was removed and I immediately paid the difference in the minimum monthly interest payment when I noticed it.
BOA: That’s great, in a couple of months after making these payments, call us back and I’m sure there will be a lower rate at that time.
Me: Isn’t there anything you can do? This interest is killing me, and even a couple a percent will help.
BOA: Well, hold please and I’ll look into it.
(me, holding for an eternity)
BOA: Here’s what I’m able to do for you. I’ll reinstate that 3.99% interest rate until May of 2008. This will lower your monthly payment to around $300.
Me: thank you so, so, so much. That’s a big relief off my shoulders. You’ve really made me a happy customer.
That’s it. It was really rather easy. But take note. I didn’t take no for an answer the first or second time. I demonstrated that I was a responsible bill payer, and begged just a little. All the while I remained emotionally cool.
The credit card customer service rep was firm at first, but eventually became responsive and flexible. In the end, I got better than I bargained for. I would have been happy with even a few points reduction… and instead I got the original promotional low interest rate extended another six months.
It’s another example of the principle I mention in the credit millionaire system…. the Aladdin Factor. Just ask, ask in the right way, ask again… and if you need to, ask someone else. Eventually you’ll get your wish.
Donna Fox,
From Credit Repair to Credit Millionaire
If you like this script there are others in the course available at Credit Millionaire
Credit card rewards programs are great. I use one card to make all of my personal charges, and rackup a bazillion miles as a result. However, there are lots of different rewards cards out there, and the choices can be confusing.
For our business, we use an Americna Express Blue card. We pay our balance off every month, and get back on every purchase. This card is only good if you pay your balance in full every month though… if you don’t, the interest rate is a killer.
Many cash back credit cards have restrictions. Be aware of cash back offers that limit the amount you can get back, or only start providing the rewards after you make some minimum purchase amount.
Mileage cards are great if you travel a lot, but can come with high annual fees.
Consumer Reports just did a great article on the topic, so instead of reiterating all the same advice here, go ahead and read their article. It’s good.
