What you always needed to know about social security numbers

Social Security Administration is beginning a new assignment methodology randomly.

There is a method to the social security numbers (123-45-6789). Your first three digits are the area number, the middle two digits are the group number, and the last four digits are the serial number. Area numbers vary depending on when your social security number was issued.

Before 1972, they reflected the state where the application for the SSN was made. Beginning in 1972, they reflected the ZIP code of the application’s mailing address. The new randomization will remove the geographic significance of the area numbers. Watch you new kids numbers because they will be different.