Social Security Number Verification

Why It's Important
Correct names and social security numbers (SSN) on W-2 wage reports are the keys to successful processing of your annual wage report submission. It saves you additional processing costs and allows us to properly credit your employees’ earnings record, which will be important information in determining their social security benefits in the future. Social Security offers employers several convenient methods for verifying CURRENT OR FORMER employee SSNs. All methods are free:

Internet Verification - SSA is currently piloting an Internet option that will provide immediate or next business day response to name/SSN verification requests. The pilot is only open to a small number of pre-selected companies. It is anticipated that this option may be open to all employers sometime in 2005.

Verification Options

To verify up to 5 names/SSNs - Just call our toll-free number for employers - 1-800-772-6270 - weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. You will be asked for your company name and EIN. Then you will be asked to provide the following information for each name/SSN you want to verify.

1. SSN,
2. last name,
3. first name,
4. middle initial (if applicable),
5. date of birth, and
6. gender.

To verify up to 50 names/SSNs - Submit a paper listing containing the data listed above to your local Social Security Office. Some offices accept faxed listings. To find the office nearest you, check your local phone book, or click here for "How To Reach Us" (includes an SSA Field Office Locator feature). You may call or visit the office.

To verify over 50 names/SSNs - A simple registration process is required for requests of more than 50 names/SSNs or requests submitted on magnetic media (regardless of how many items you want verified). EVS can be used by employers and third-party submitters. See the EVS Instruction booklet for registration information and formatting/submission instructions.

Social Security Number Allocations - Knowing what Social Security Numbers have been allocated will help you determine if a SSN is valid. We have guides that will help you make this determination:

Social Security Number Allocations
How SSNs are assigned and a list of number areas by State.
SSN - Order of Issuance
Further Explanation of How to Understand SSN Assignment

** High Group List - This list shows the SSN area and group numbers that have been issued as of this month.

High Group History
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003