
Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents. It is primarily used for tracking earnings and benefits within the Social Security system, which provides financial assistance during retirement, disability, or death. The SSN is also commonly required for tax reporting, opening bank accounts, and applying for loans or jobs. While it serves essential administrative purposes, it is crucial to protect your SSN since identity theft can occur if it falls into the wrong hands.