I know it’s common now for people to get a Social Security number soon after birth, but I did not get one until I was 15 years old — because I needed one for work. I think for many people in my generation (born 1969) this was the case. You only need it if you intend to work or open a bank account, so we just waited until one of those needs arose.
My father was born in 1922 and I don’t think he applied for a Social Security number until he was 17 and went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corp
The only way to “stay off the grid and never get a number” is if you never plan to get a legitimate job, open a bank account, or apply for government benefits.
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