Social Security Number, also known as a Social Security Number (SSN), is a nine-digit personal identification number used in the United States. The following is its structure and generation rules: **Structure: The format of a Social Security Number is: XXX-XX-XXXX * The first three digits (XXX) represent the area code * The middle two digits (XX) represent the group number * The last four digits (XXXX) represent the sequence number**Components: 1. **Area Code (XXX):** These codes are assigned based on the zip code of the applicant's place of residence or state. For example: * 001-003: New Hampshire * 050-134: New York * 527-586: Wisconsin * 620-649: Oklahoma 2. **Group Number (XX):** These codes are used to further subdivide the area code and are assigned sequentially. 3. **Sequence Number (XXXX):** These codes are assigned sequentially and range from 0001 to 9999. **Example Numbers:** * 078-05-1120 (Area Code: 078, Group Number: 05, Serial Number: 1120) * 425-68-9234 (Area Code: 425, Group Number: 68, Serial Number: 9234) * 621-32-2198 (Area Code: 621, Group Number: 32, Serial Number: 2198) **IMPORTANT NOTES: * Social Security Numbers are personal and sensitive and should only be shared with authorized agencies. * Social Security Numbers are not provided in example or sample form because they could match actual numbers and could be misused. * Aktual Social Security Numbers are typically only assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain aliens. Remember, understanding the structure and components of a Social Security Number can help you identify and verify the number, but personally identifiable information must always be handled and shared in a secure and compliant manner.