Why were we given Social Security numbers in the first place? What was the reason?

Question

And why do we still need them?

Answer 1

Social Security numbers were first assigned in 1936 as part of FDR's New Deal Social Security program. Social Security is government-run and government-mandated pension.

In the mid-'80s, the IRS required that parents apply their children over five years old for social security numbers in order to be claimed as dependents on tax returns.

Now social security numbers are used for identification and taxes. If you want to enroll in school or open a checking account, you need a social security number.

As long as social security continues to exist, social security numbers will be necessary. Basically, other forms of identification (like a driver's license) are state-by-state, not federal. Social Security numbers are the only form of federal ID, really, which is why social security numbers have been used for other purposes than just social security. It's the government's way only way to track you since it doesn't give out other ID.

Answer 2

social security was given to people in the first place because when the government formed the Internal revenue Service, they needed a sort of "tracking number" for people so they could keep records of who paid taxes or not.

Answer 3

they're government bank-account numbers...sort of..

when you work, social security takes money out of your check.

when you retire, depending on how many "credits" you have from working, you get money from the government.

but the gov. uses it for all sorts of identification purposes now...including income tax.

Answer 4

social security numbers=mark of the beast

Answer 5

main reason is for taxes, but many others as well. like credit cards, legal status, unemployment level, and of couse so the government can track you down if you don't pay your taxes.

Answer 6

without them, the world would implode