<P> In the United States , a Social Security number ( SSN ) is a nine - digit number issued to U.S. citizens , permanent residents , and temporary ( working ) residents under section 205 ( c ) ( 2 ) of the Social Security Act , codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405 ( c ) ( 2 ) . The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration , an independent agency of the United States government . Although its primary purpose is to track individuals for Social Security purposes , the Social Security number has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes . </P>
<P> In the United States , a Social Security number ( SSN ) is a nine - digit number issued to U.S. citizens , permanent residents , and temporary ( working ) residents under section 205 ( c ) ( 2 ) of the Social Security Act , codified as 42 U.S.C. § 405 ( c ) ( 2 ) . The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration , an independent agency of the United States government . Although its primary purpose is to track individuals for Social Security purposes , the Social Security number has become a de facto national identification number for taxation and other purposes . </P>
how did i get my social security number
how did i get my social security number
The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration
The number is issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration