This year, the Department of Education is making the online FAFSA process easier by providing real-time PINs for students and parents. Instead of having a waiting period to confirm an applicant’s Social Security number with the Social Security Administration, you can use the PIN right away to sign your FAFSA. If the Social Security number doesn’t come through, the PIN is disabled and applicants receive their student aid report (SAR) in the mail, requesting the necessary information.
You can learn more about FAFSA and PIN updates for 2008-2009 here. You can also request your FAFSA PIN here.
You forgot to mentrion that when you try to opt out of credit card offers they ask for your social security number or they won't let you opt out. If you are stupid enough to give it to them it's no longer secure is it?