<P> On June 25, 2011, the SSA changed the SSN assignment process to "SSN randomization". SSN randomization affects the SSN assignment process in the following ways: </P> <Ol> <Li> It eliminates the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, previously referred to as the Area Number, by no longer allocating the Area Numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states . </Li> <Li> It eliminates the significance of the highest group number and, as a result, the High Group List is frozen in time and can be used for validation of only those SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date (see section "Valid SSNs"). </Li> <Li> Previously unassigned area numbers have been introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900--999 . <Ul> <Li> Note: Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), so they are not affected by this SSA change . </Li> </Ul> </Li> </Ol> <Li> It eliminates the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, previously referred to as the Area Number, by no longer allocating the Area Numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states . </Li> <Li> It eliminates the significance of the highest group number and, as a result, the High Group List is frozen in time and can be used for validation of only those SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date (see section "Valid SSNs"). </Li>

What do first 3 numbers of ssn mean