Reply #72: Here's something from wiki [View All]

Since 1973, when SSA began assigning SSNs and issuing cards centrally from Baltimore, the area number assigned has been based on the ZIP code in the mailing address provided on the application for the original Social Security card. The applicant's mailing address does not have to be the same as their place of residence. Thus, the Area Number does not necessarily represent the State of residence of the applicant, neither prior to 1973, nor since.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_number

This makes sense to me because my dad worked for SSA & for some reason around this time, he got SSNs for my brothers & I even though we were nowhere near the age of 16 & obviously not looking for jobs. :) He picked our numbers himself. For the longest time, I was the only kid in my class who had a SSN. Not sure why he was so bent out of shape over this change. He told us why, but pfft, I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, what did I care? ;)

dg