How are Social Security numbers generated? Are they recycled?

Dan Prudenville, Michigan

Dear Dan:

We wanted to go straight to the source on this one, so we headed to the Social Security Administration (SSA) web site. Once there, we made a beeline for the FAQ section and got down to business. First, we focused our search by selecting the "Social Security Numbers and Cards" topic. After a moment or two of browsing, we spotted "Is there any significance to the numbers assigned in the Social Security number?" The answer explained that the first three digits of a Social Security number are assigned based on the geographical location of the person obtaining a number. The remaining six digits are "more or less randomly assigned." Next, we returned to the FAQ, searching for an answer to your second question. Lo and behold, we found "Are Social Security numbers re-assigned after a person dies?" In the answer, the SSA states it does not re-assign numbers after the original holder's death. So far, over 400 million SSNs have been issued, and about 6 million new numbers are assigned annually. Apparently there are enough numbers left to last for several generations.