It is a common misconception that people can have more than one Social Security number (SSN). In reality, the vast majority of individuals only have a single SSN that is assigned to them for life. There are a few rare situations where someone may end up with more than one SSN, but it is not a widespread issue.
Reasons Why Someone May Have Multiple SSNs
Here are some of the main reasons a person could end up with two or more SSNs:
- Name change – If someone legally changes their name, they may accidentally get assigned a new SSN if they do not notify the Social Security Administration.
- Data entry error – Clerical errors during the SSN application process could result in duplicate numbers being issued.
- Identity theft – Criminals will sometimes apply for SSNs using stolen identities, creating multiples linked to a single person.
- Child benefit fraud – Parents have been known to apply for extra SSNs to claim benefits for fictional children.
- Tax evasion – Having multiple SSNs has been used historically as a way to avoid taxes, though SSA cross-checking has largely curtailed this.
In most of these situations, once identified, the extra Social Security numbers will be invalidated, and the individual will revert to a single valid SSN. However, historical records may still show these old unused numbers.
Preventing SSN Duplicates
The Social Security Administration has implemented a number of improvements over the last few decades to prevent erroneous SSN duplicates from being issued:
- Verification requirements – Stringent ID verification checks are now required before issuing a new SSN.
- Online application – Applying online reduces data entry errors and allows cross-checking.
- Automated issuance – SSN assignment is now centralized and automated, reducing human error.
- Anti-fraud measures – Applications are screened for patterns indicating identity theft or benefit fraud.
- Death records – SSNs are promptly deactivated when death reports are received to prevent future misuse.
Thanks to changes like these, the vast majority of legitimate SSN holders have just a single unique identifier that remains with them for life.
When Multiple SSNs Are Valid
There are a handful of special situations where someone can legally have more than one valid SSN:
- Non-citizen resident aliens – May get one SSN for work authorization and a second SSN when they become permanent residents.
- Government employees abroad – May need a separate SSN for tax purposes when working overseas.
- Witness protection program – New SSNs are issued to protect the identities of people in witness protection.
However, for nearly all ordinary citizens, only one SSN will be issued and used for their lifetime.
Conclusion
While urban legends about having multiple SSNs still persist, in reality, the Social Security Administration has comprehensive safeguards in place to prevent duplicate SSNs from being issued in error. Legitimate situations where someone may need more than one SSN are very rare. For the vast majority of people, their Social Security number is a unique identifier that remains unchanged throughout their lives.