Social Security number (SSN) randomization to take effect in June 2011

The Social Security Administration (SSA) describes the SSN randomization as a forward-looking project to help protect the integrity of the Social Security number by establishing a new random assignment methodology. The SSA promises to still provide online services for direct SSN verifications, as follows:

  • SSA’s Social Security Number Verification Service – available to employers.
  • Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify Service – available to employers to determine employment eligibility.
  • SSA’s Consent-Based SSN Verification Service – available to enrolled private companies and government agencies for a fee.

Federal and state agencies will continue to maintain several SSN verification
systems, as outlined at http://www.ssa.gov/gix/eprojects.html.