Your Social Security Number: The Nine-Digit Key Unlocking (and Protecting) Your Life in the U.S.

That seemingly simple nine-digit number, your Social Security Number (SSN), is far more than just a card you might occasionally need to present. Issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSN has evolved from a straightforward tool for tracking earnings into one of the most critical and widely used identifiers in the United States. Understanding what your SSN is, its original purpose, and the vast network of information and services linked to it is paramount for navigating daily life, securing your financial future, and protecting yourself from identity theft.

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