The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing the way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued. This change is referred to as “randomization.” The SSA is developing this new method to help protect the integrity of the SSN. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide.

The SSA began assigning the nine-digit SSN in 1936 for the purpose of tracking workers’ earnings over the course of their lifetimes to pay benefits. Since its inception, the SSN has always been comprised of the three-digit area number, followed by the two-digit group number, and ending with the four-digit serial number. Since 1972, the SSA has issued Social Security cards centrally and the area number reflects the state, as determined by the ZIP code in the mailing address of the application.

There are currently 435 million numbers available for assignment. However, the current SSN assignment process limits the number of SSNs that are available for issuance to individuals by each state. Changing the assignment methodology will extend the longevity of the nine digit SSN in all states.

SSN randomization will affect the SSN assignment process in the following ways:

* It will eliminate the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, currently referred to as the area number, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states.

* It will eliminate the significance of the highest group number and, as a result, the High Group List will be frozen in time and can be used for validation of SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date.

* Previously unassigned area numbers will be introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999.

Millions of Americans will no longer be able to get their Social Security and other federal benefit checks by mail, under a new timetable announced Tuesday.

Those already on Social Security will have until March 1, 2013, to make the switch to direct deposit or a debit card. New recipients of those benefits will have to accept paperless payment sooner — as of May 1, 2011.

More than 58 million retirees, disabled people and surviving family members get Social Security or Supplemental Security benefits. Eight out of 10 people getting federal benefits already receive those payments electronically, officials say.

The Social Security Administration just announced that Retirees will no longer be able to pay back benefits already received in exchange for higher Social Security payments going forward.

A little-known provision of Social Security law previously allowed individuals to begin payments at age 62, pay back all the benefits received at age 70 without interest, and then reclaim at a higher rate due to delayed claiming.

Under the new rules, Social Security beneficiaries may withdraw an application for retirement benefits only within 12 months of their first Social Security payment and are limited to one withdrawal per lifetime.

Another way Social Security beneficiaries were previously allowed to boost their checks was by suspending benefits already received retroactively, repaying the amount received, and then getting higher checks going forward. The new rules allow retirees to voluntarily suspend benefits only for months in which they did not receive payments. Beneficiaries may also suspend future payments beginning the month after the request is made.

These changes will be applied only to old-age benefit recipients, not survivor and disability beneficiaries.