Does your Social Security number expire?

Asked by: Terrell Collins  |  Last update: October 28, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)

Does an SSN expire? No. Once an SSN has been assigned it is an individual's unique number for the rest of his or her life in the United States. However, the individual's work authorization may expire.

How do you know if your SSN is expired?

Beginning in April 2007, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began printing the date of issuance on the face of Social Security cards. The date appears beneath the signature line. The date is not an expiration date (and, in fact, should always be a date in the past).

What happens when your Social Security number expires?

Read more. Though a Social Security number itself never expires, and the one you have will always be yours, even if you become legal in the future, you are technically not supposed to use it for employment or other purposes.

Can SSN become invalid?

What happens is, a Social Security Number (SSN) has to match up against a person's name when it's compared with the government's database, so there could be a mismatch if names are not entered correctly, or if names don't match what the government has.

How can I check if my Social Security is active?

If you have questions or need help understanding how to check the status of your Social Security application online, call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your Social Security office.

Did You Know You Can Change Your Social Security Number? Here's How!

32 related questions found

Can someone have the same last 4 digits of SSN?

Out of 119 people, there is a 50% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN. Out of 180 people, there is a 80% chance that two of them will have the same last 4 digits in their SSN.

Can you change your 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.

Do I get a new SSN when I become a citizen?

You will need to visit Social Security so they can update your Social Security record. Wait at least 10 days after your ceremony before doing so and be prepared to show them your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport.

Can I update my SSN status online?

You can change and update your information anytime, anywhere by logging in to or creating a free my Social Security account.

What can someone do with your Social Security number?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Does SSN expire for international students?

Does SSN Expire for International Students? The SSN given to international students never expires. However, the annotation "Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization" could be removed from the SSN card when an international student changes to a permanent resident status.

What is full retirement age?

Full retirement age is the age when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount. The full retirement age is 66 if you were born from 1943 to 1954. The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960, until it reaches 67.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit?

The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $3,345. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $2,364. If you retire at age 70 in 2022, your maximum benefit would be $4,194.

Do I need to change SSN after getting green card?

You do not need to change your Social Security Card (SSC) after getting the Green card until and unless you need to change the information contained in the card. If, however, your card gets stolen or you lose it, then you need to apply for a Social Security Card replacement.

Why do I need to update my Social Security card after citizenship?

This helps them verify your eligibility to work in the US. If your records are not updated, they may think that you are working illegally. Some disability benefits are also available only to citizens. So updating your citizenship records will ease the process once you apply for such.

Can I get Social Security if I am not a US citizen?

Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. SSNs are used to report a person's wages to the government and to determine that person's eligibility for Social Security benefits.

What does your Social Security number tell about you?

Many businesses ask for your SSN because it is a convenient way to identify you in their system. As a result, your social security number can now reveal all kinds of information about you, including places you've lived, your credit history, and maybe even medical conditions.

Can two people have the same Social Security number?

"Social Security numbers can be associated with multiple individuals, and that individuals can have multiple SSNs associated with them.

Why would someone get a new Social Security number?

There is a situation of harassment, abuse or life endangerment; or. An individual has religious or cultural objections to certain numbers or digits in the original number.

How much does it cost to change your Social Security number?

If you do not begin the application online, you will need to fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and bring it to your local Social Security office. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

What do first 3 numbers of SSN mean?

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.

Do SSN get reused?

To date, 453.7 million different numbers have been issued. Q20: Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? A: No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder's death.

Who had the first Social Security number?

This particular record, (055-09-0001) belonged to John D. Sweeney, Jr., age 23, of New Rochelle, New York. The next day, newspapers around the country announced that Sweeney had been issued the first SSN.

What is the lowest Social Security payment?

The first full special minimum PIA in 1973 was $170 per month. Beginning in 1979, its value has increased with price growth and is $886 per month in 2020. The number of beneficiaries receiving the special minimum PIA has declined from about 200,000 in the early 1990s to about 32,100 in 2019.