What happens if someone knows SSN?

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. Someone illegally using your Social Security number and assuming your identity can cause a lot of problems.

How do I confirm someone’s Social Security number?

If you want to verify SSNs for other than wage reporting purposes you must use our Consent Based SSN Verification Service (CBSV) which you can access from our website at If you want to verify your own SSN, you must have proof of identity and visit your local Social Security Field Office.

When do you get asked questions by Social Security?

From time to time, Social Security will contact you and ask you some questions. This can happen when you are applying or appealing or after you are approved or in the years to come. You may be asked questions by Social Security or by your lawyer or representative or on forms you need to fill out.

Is there a social security question and answer tool for AARP?

The tool can also help clarify eligibility requirements and provide answers to questions on disability, survivor, spousal and family benefits in an easy to understand manner. Let AARP’s Social Security Question and Answer Tool offer you faster access to browse for the answers you are looking for on Social Security.

What should I ask a social security expert?

In order to provide the best advice for your Social Security questions, a tax expert may ask questions about your financial situation. Before you start your session, you should have the following documents handy:

What kind of number do you get when you apply for Social Security?

When you apply for a Social Security number (SSN), the Social Security Administration (SSA) will assign you a nine-digit number. This is the same number which is printed on the Social Security card that SSA will issue you.