Do Canadians have social security numbers?

Canadians do not have Social Security Numbers, per se, but they do have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is basically the same. The SIN is a 9-digit number which is needed to work in Canada or to have access to any government benefits and services. They are issued to all Canadian citizens ages 12 and older. Parents may apply for a SIN for their children who are younger.
Updated on Monday, February 06 2012 at 12:06AM EST