Every participant in the Social Security program is issued a card with a unique number. Research the Social Security card numbering system by visiting Social Security Online. How are the numbers assigned? What do the numbers mean? Use the Web site to analyze your own Social Security number.

Answer the multiple-choice questions below. Click on the correct answer. To assess your answers, click the Check My Answers button at the bottom of the page.

1) How many numbers make up each Social Security number?

	A. 7
	B. 9
	C. 5
	D. 10

2) What part of the Social Security number contains only 2 numbers and ranges from 01 to 99?

	A. group number
	B. area number
	C. serial number

3) Before 1972, what did the Area Number represent?

	A. Country
	B. City
	C. State
	D. County

4) After 1972, what did the Area Number represent?

	A. zip code
	B. area code
	C. group code
	D. serial code

5) What part of the Social Security number is four digits long?

	A. serial number
	B. group number
	C. area number
	D. phone number