Social Security Death Index – Free Genealogy Database
Your Social Security Number is how you are tracked by the Federal government from the time you are born until the time of your death. This number is used everywhere from your health insurance, employment, and taxes to your utility bills and driver’s license. It is a unique number that will forever and always belong to your identity. Fortunately, this number can also help you locate ancestors who died in the 20th century and beyond, as almost all United States citizens obtained Social Security numbers after the Social Security Act was passed in 1935.
Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a free genealogy database that you can search to find your ancestors. There are over 83 million people listed in the SSDI. You must use caution, however, since not everyone who had a Social Security Number or received Social Security benefits is listed in this database. It is only those whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration. The death is usually reported by a family member who will receive benefits. Funeral homes also advise the Social Security Administration of deaths. There is always the possibility of errors in the database.
So what can the information in the SSDI tell you about your ancestor? You will find their full name, date of
birth, date of death, Social Security Number, last known residence and the state and year the Social Security Number was issued in. The information in this online genealogy database can help fill in some gaps of missing information or perhaps confirm dates that you had a question about. You can also request a copy of the actual Social Security Number application form. However, this must be done in writing to the Social Security Administration at a cost of $27. The actual application has much more information on it:
- Full name
- Full name at birth (including maiden name)
- Present mailing address
- Age at last birthday
- Date of birth
- Place of birth (City, county, state)
- Father’s full name, whether alive or deceased
- Mother’s full name, including maiden name, whether alive or deceased
- Gender
- Race
- Whether they have applied for Social Security Number or Railroad Retirement before?
- Current employer’s name and address
- Date signed
- Applicant’s signature
You can see that it might be worth the $27 to obtain a copy of the original application. However, the online Social Security Death Index does a good job of getting you some basic information regarding your ancestor so check it out today!
