What is the Social Security claim number?

A Social Security claim number is often confused with a Social Security number, a unique identification number that is issued to US citizens and eligible US residents. However, these numbers vary, and a Social Security claim number is only issued when a claim is filed or benefits paid.

A Social Security claim number is a unique code that is issued by Social Security, and it comprises nine digits and a suffix. The nine-digit number is the Social Security number while the suffix represents the type of benefits you are eligible for or entitled to receive. Most of the time, the Social Security number is the Social Security number of the claimant or other person on whose record you are claiming benefits.

Is a Claim Number different from Social Security Number?

The Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identifier that the US government issues to all US citizens and eligible residents who apply for an SSN. The government uses the SSN to track employees’ lifetime earnings and the years they worked. When you claim any of the different types of Social Security benefits, the government uses your SSN to determine your eligibility and calculate how much benefits you qualify to receive.

On the other hand, a claim number is a type of Social Security Number that you are assigned when you claim or receive Social Security benefits. Generally, if you are a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary, your claim number comprises your nine-digit SSN followed by two letters. If you are a Social Security beneficiary, your claim number comprises your nine-digit SSN and one letter.

If you are applying for Social Security benefits on another person's record, such as a spouse or parent, the claim number includes the SSN of the person on whose record you are claiming benefits and the appropriate letters.

Social Security Claim Number Suffixes

A Social Security claim number comprises a nine-digit Social Security number and a suffix. The suffix is an alpha/numeric symbol that identifies the type of Social Security benefit that a person is entitled to receive.

The suffix is not assigned in any specific pattern. Instead, Social Security assigned these letters alphabetically as other forms of Social Security benefits were added to the Social Security Act.

Here is a list of the common suffixes added to the claim number:

A – You are the primary claimant, meaning that you are getting retirement benefits on your record.

B- You are getting benefits as a wife aged 62 or older on your husband's record.

B1- You are getting benefits as a husband age 62 or older on your wife’s record.

B2- You are receiving benefits on your husband’s record as a young wife (below 62) caring for a minor child.

B6- You are getting benefits as a divorced wife on your ex-husband’s record.

BR- You are getting benefits as a divorced husband on your ex-wife’s record.

BW- You are getting benefits on your wife’s record as a young husband below age 62 caring for a minor child.

C1 to C9- You are getting benefits as a child on your parent's record. You may be a minor child under 62, a disabled child, or a student child who is 19 years old.

D- You are getting benefits as a widow aged 60 or older on your deceased husband's record.

D1- You are getting benefits as a widower age 60 or older on your deceased wife’s record.

D6- You are getting benefits as a surviving divorced wife age 60 or older on your deceased ex-husband’s record.

DC- You are getting benefits as a surviving divorced husband age 60 or older on your deceased ex-wife’s record.

E- You are getting a mother's benefits (widow below age 60) caring for a minor child of a father who died.

E4- You are getting a father's benefits (widower below age 60) caring for a minor child of a mother who died.

F1- You are getting benefits as a father on your son’s or daughter’s record.

F2- You are getting benefits as a mother on your son’s or daughter’s record.

G1 to G9- You are getting lump-sum death benefits after the death of a family member.

W- You are getting disabled widow’s benefits (age 50 or older) on your deceased husband’s record.

W1- You are getting disabled widower benefits (age 50 or older) on your deceased wife’s record.

Where to find Social Security Claim Number

You can find your Social Security number on your Medicare card or letters sent by Social Security. For example, letters related to your benefits application, benefits award letter, Social Security notices, etc. may indicate your claim number. If you are unable to find your claim number, call Social Security at the toll-free 1-800-772-1213 and request your claim number. You will be required to provide information regarding your identity and benefits to verify your identity.  

What is the Social Security Number?

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a nine-digit numerical identifier that the federal government assigns to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain non-immigrants. It is used to track earnings and pay benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

The SSN has become the national identification number, and it is used to track credit reports, open bank accounts, receive government assistance, and make major purchases. You will also be required to provide your SSN when enrolling for Medicare or applying for a passport or driving license.

You can obtain an SSN by filling out Form SS-5 (Application for Social Security card). You can also use this form to change your Social Security name or replace a lost Social Security card. Applying for an SSN is free, and you will be required to provide various documents to prove your age, identity, and US citizenship/immigration status. You can email the complete form to Social Security or take it to the local Social Security office alongside the required documents.