What do the social security numbers mean?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit number which is given to every US citizen. The number is broken into three parts. The first three digits are the area number, the middle two digits are the group number, and the last four digits are the serial number.

The area number is based on a person's geographical region. The group number ranges from 01-99 and is based on the order that SSNs are issued for an area. The serial number ranges from 0001-9999 and are assigned in numerical order.

Beginning June 25, 2011, the assignment process was randomized in an effort to help combat identity theft. The first three digits will no longer be a region-specific area code. The number sequences 000 and 666 are not used.