A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to individuals in the U.S. by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It plays a vital role in tracking taxable income from both employment and self-employment. The SSA uses this number to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits, manage benefit payments, and maintain accurate earnings records.
Understanding the Role of SSNs
Your Social Security number follows you throughout your life and is essential for many financial and legal processes in the U.S. It is required for employment, tax reporting, and accessing federal benefits. Employers report wages to the IRS and the SSA using this number to ensure accurate benefit calculations later in life.
Although employers may occasionally request a copy of your Social Security card during the hiring process, it’s typically sufficient to provide the number along with other valid forms of identification. For security reasons, your physical card should be kept in a safe place and not carried around daily.