Nearly every American is familiar with at least one important aspect of Social Security - his or her Social Security number. Most of us know that number by heart, but otherwise we never give it much thought. There is a lot of history and trivia behind the Social Security number and card. Following are just a few interesting facts:

The artist who designed the original Social Security card in 1936, Fred Happel of Albany, N.Y., also designed the famous "Flying Tigers" logo used by General Chennault's forces during World War II.

There are about one billion possible Social Security number combinations.

Approximately 442 million Social Security numbers have been issued since 1936. About 280 million of those numbers remain active. Social Security does not reuse SS numbers.

Social Security assigns about 5½ million new numbers each year.

Generally speaking, you are limited to three replacement Social Security cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.

There are some exceptions.

It is important to keep your card in a safe place, along with your important papers. You should not carry it with you unless you know you are going to need it, such as for a new employer. And don't give your Social Security number out to just anyone. Safeguarding your Social Security card and number will go a long way to keep your identity safe. There is one more fact that everyone should know: There is never a charge for getting a new or replacement Social

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Security card or for changing your name with Social Security. Please remember this if you ever get offers from " middlemen" who want to charge you a fee to help you get a card or number or change your name on your SS card and records.

For more information about the Social Security card and number, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumb er/. For more information about Social Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Reaching age 65 or full retirement age in 2008? - If you will turn 65 or reach full retirement age in 2008 and have not filed a Social Security or Medicare application, we can provide you with information that will be helpful in determining when to file an application. Mail us the following information:

- Your name.
- Social Security number.
- Estimated 2007 earnings.
- Estimated 2008 earnings.
- Complete mailing address.
- Telephone number (both home and work).
-Date of birth.
- If you plan to retire in 2008, month in which you would.
- Spouse's Social Security number.
- Spouse's date of birth.
- If spouse is deceased, give date of death.

Send it to: Your Social Security, Social Security Administration, 3885 Main St., 3rd Floor, Bridgeport CT 06606. Attn: A. Renzoni.

Anthony Renzoni is district manager of the Bridgeport office of the Social Security Administration. His column appears every Monday.