Summary of the Article: Why Would Somebody Have Two Different Social Security Numbers?
1. Commingle of Social Security Numbers: Some commingling of Social Security numbers occurs due to human error like typos, transpositions, and misreading of data. Others are a result of fraud.
2. Minimizing Adverse Impact: While the duplication and commingling of Social Security numbers cannot be eliminated completely, technologies can be used to minimize their adverse impact.
Key Points:
1. Two Social Security Numbers: Using two Social Security numbers is considered fraud, whether it is for working or filing for benefits. While it is unlikely that you will be prosecuted, it is not legal.
2. Reporting Multiple Numbers: If you have two Social Security numbers, you can notify your local office, and they can cross-reference and merge the numbers.
3. Getting a Second Social Security Number: If you need to start over legally and obtain a second Social Security number, you can apply in-person at your local Social Security office. You will need to complete the application for a Social Security card and provide a statement explaining why you need a new number, along with third-party evidence supporting your reasons.
4. Number Combinations: Theoretically, there are 1 billion possible Social Security number combinations. The nine-digit figure, first issued in 1936, enables individuals to receive benefits, apply for a driver’s license, file income taxes, and more.
5. Same SSN as Someone Else: In rare cases, the Social Security Administration might accidentally assign the same Social Security number to multiple people. This can also occur in cases where sequential numbers are assigned to the same family or when individuals share similar names and SSNs with their family members, causing issues with legal status or tax records.
6. Duplicate Social Security Number: The Duplicate SSN Indicator is used to identify if another filer is using the same Social Security Number (SSN) that appears in the original SSN field.
7. Changing Your SSN: While it is possible to get a new Social Security number, it is not easy. Social Security may assign a different number if you can prove that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or if you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft.
8. Second Social Security Number: A second Social Security number is often referred to as a CPN (Credit Privacy Number) or SCN (Secondary Credit Number).
Questions:
1. Why would somebody have two different Social Security numbers?
Some of the commingling comes from human error like typos, transpositions, and misreading of data. Some commingling comes from fraud. While the duplication and commingling of Social Security numbers cannot be eliminated, technologies can be used to minimize their adverse impact.
2. What should I do if I have two Social Security numbers?
Using two Social Security numbers is fraud. Whether working or filing for benefits. You most likely won’t get prosecuted, but it is not legal. You can notify your local office, and they can cross-reference (merge) the numbers.
3. How to get a second Social Security number and start over legally?
Apply in-person at your local Social Security office. Complete the application for a Social Security card. Provide a statement explaining why you need a new Social Security number. Provide third-party evidence documenting your reasons for needing a new number.
4. How many different Social Security numbers are possible?
There are theoretically 1 billion possible Social Security number combinations. This all-important nine-digit figure, first issued in 1936, enables you to receive disability and retirement benefits, apply for a driver’s license in many states, file your income taxes (with some exceptions), and much more.
5. Can you have the same SSN as someone else?
In rare cases, the SSA might accidentally assign the same SSN to multiple people. Issues with sequential numbers assigned to the same family. The SSA will also consider a change if you and another family member share similar names and SSNs and it’s causing issues with your legal status or tax records.
6. What does duplicate Social Security number mean?
The Duplicate SSN Indicator identifies if there is another filer using the Social Security Number (SSN) that appears in the original SSN field.
7. Can you change your SSN?
Is it possible to get a new Social Security number? Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.
8. What is a second Social Security number called?
CPNs (Credit Privacy Numbers) or SCNs (Secondary Credit Numbers) are often used to refer to a second Social Security number.
Why would somebody have two different Social Security numbers
Some of the commingling comes from human error like typos, transpositions, and misreading of data. Some commingling comes from fraud. While the duplication and commingling of Social Security numbers cannot be eliminated, technologies can be used to minimize their adverse impact.
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What should I do if I have 2 Social Security numbers
Using two social security numbers is fraud. Whether working or filing for benefits. You most likely won't get prosecuted but it is not legal. You can notify your local office and they can cross reference (merge) the numbers.
How to get a 2nd Social Security number and start over legally
Apply in-person at your local Social Security office. Complete the application for a Social Security card. Provide a statement explaining why you need a new Social Security number. Provide third-party evidence documenting your reasons for needing a new number.
How many different Social Security numbers are possible
1 billion possible Social
There are, theoretically, 1 billion possible Social Security number combinations. This all-important nine-digit figure, first issued in 1936, enables you to receive disability and retirement benefits, apply for a driver's license in many states, file your income taxes (with some exceptions) and much more.
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Can you have the same SSN as someone else
In rare cases, the SSA might accidentally assign the same SSN to multiple people. Issues with sequential numbers assigned to the same family. The SSA will also consider a change if you and another family member share similar names and SSNs and it's causing issues with your legal status or tax records.
What does duplicate Social Security number mean
The Duplicate SSN Indicator identifies if there is another filer using the Social Security Number (SSN) that appears in the original SSN field.
Can you change your SSN
Is it possible to get a new Social Security number Yes, but it is not easy. If you can show that you are in danger due to domestic violence or other abuse, or you are experiencing significant, ongoing financial harm due to identity theft, Social Security can assign you a different number.
What is a second Social Security number called
CPNs are nine-digit numbers that resemble SSNs and ITINs.
Can you start over with a new Social Security number
You can't change your Social Security number simply because your card has been lost or stolen, or to avoid bankruptcy or legitimate debts. The only other reasons Social Security will consider assigning a new number are: Sequential numbers assigned to members of your family are causing confusion.
What does the first 3 digits of your Social Security number mean
Since 1973, social security numbers have been issued by our central office. The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number.
What do the middle 2 numbers in Social Security mean
group number
Within each area, the group number (middle two (2) digits) range from 01 to 99 but are not assigned in consecutive order. For administrative reasons, group numbers issued first consist of the ODD numbers from 01 through 09 and then EVEN numbers from 10 through 98, within each area number allocated to a State.
What do you do if someone has the same Social Security number
Sometimes more than one person uses the same Social Security number, either on purpose or by accident. If you suspect someone is using your number for work purposes, you should contact us to report the problem. We'll review your earnings with you to ensure our records are correct.
Can you get a new SSN if your identity is stolen
But the administration doesn't make it easy to get a new SSN. You'll need proof that your number continues to be used by someone other than yourself. The administration said if you lost your card or think someone stole your number but have no evidence of someone else using it, you won't be able to receive a new one.
What happens to your old SSN when you get a new one
Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost.
How often can you change your SSN
You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime. We may allow for reasonable exceptions to these limits on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances.
Can I get a new SSN if I change my name
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order or need to correct your name for other reasons, you must tell us. This way you can get a replacement Social Security number (SSN) card with your correct legal name. Visit Defining the legal Name for an SSN for more information.
Can you get a new SSN after identity theft
If you decide to apply for a new number, you'll need to prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For more information, ask for Your Social Security Number and Card (Publication Number 05-10002). You'll also need to provide evidence that you're having ongoing problems because of the misuse.
Does your Social Security number tell your age
The serial number ranges from 0001 to 9999 and is assigned consecutively within each group number. As you can see, your social security number does not expressly say anything about you.
Can someone have the same SSN as me
Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 300 people, then there is more than 99% probability that two of them will have the same number.
How do you check if your Social Security number has been used
Make a single request for all three credit bureau reports at Annual Credit Report Request Form, (Disclaimer) or by calling 1-877-322-8228. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
What do I do if someone has my Social Security number
Report a stolen Social Security number to the Federal Trade Commission if you think you're a victim of identity theft.
Can you change your Social Security number
To request a different Social Security number, contact your local Social Security office for an in-person appointment.
Can a person change their Social Security number
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
Can you have your SSN changed
The Social Security Administration will only issue a new Social Security number (SSN) in very specific or extreme situations, so it's not likely that you'd be able to change yours. If you think that you might qualify for getting a new SSN, you must visit a Social Security Administration office.
What happens to my old SSN if I get a new one
Changing your number does not affect the information in your Social Security file. The old and new numbers are cross-referenced to make sure your earnings history and other data is not lost.
