• The first social security payout was a lump sum of 17 cents.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
  
  A social security number (SSN) is a 9-digit number issued by the United States Social Security Administration as a means of registering an individual for certain federal benefits. Originally, the administration provided only retirement benefits. Currently beneficiaries use their SSN to take part in government services such as public housing and food stamps. SSNs are also used for tracking an individual's employment history and tax contributions.
  
  

Social Security Administration

• The SSA maintains both hard copy and digital files that detail your social security number. These records will also include a listing of previous SSNs, name changes, address changes and other contact information. The Social Security Administration also maintains public records including the Social Security Death Index (SSDI), which lists names and numbers of the deceased. The SSA maintains that it does not re-use SSNs. However the SSDI can been used to predict assignments and commit identity theft.
  
  

Social Security Card

• Your social security card is a cardboard slip that lists your SSN and full name as it appears in the Social Security Administration records. This card is provided free of charge when an individual applies for a SSN. The administration recommends keeping this card in a fireproof safe with other important family documents. In the event that your card is lost or stolen you may use proof of identification to apply for a free replacement. However you are limited to three replacements in a calendar year, 10 total in a lifetime.
  
  

Government Agencies

• Under certain circumstances the Social Security Administration is legally obligated to provide your social security number, legal name and contact information to other government agencies. This may occur during criminal proceedings, when applying for federal grants and upon death.
  
  

Welfare

• If you partake in any public benefits or welfare program, such as SNAP and Medicaid, your social security number may be shared with the organizations and federal branches conducting your case. For your privacy, many of these units maintain their own numeric record system and omit your full SSN from general paperwork and in-house documentation.
  
  

Employer

• When applying for a job, you are required to provide your employer with a valid SSN or taxpayer ID. These records are used when your employer reports its taxes as a business and again when providing you with your tax forms for the year. Your SSN may also be transferred to health benefit, insurance and retirement benefits documents. These records may be maintained even after you leave the company.
  
  

Businesses

• Banks, credit card providers, doctors and other businesses often use SSNs as a means of verifying identity, keeping records and running background/credit checks. You are not legally obligated to provide your social security number to any of these individuals. Providing your SSN to these entities can result in additional records containing your SSN, both electronic and hard copy. These records may be maintained for years without your knowledge.