Social Security Death Index (SSDI)

United States

Vital Records

Social Security Death Index

Online Resources

• U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 ($)
• Social Security Death Index
• GenealogyBank
• Stevemorse.org Stephen P. Morse's website allows you to search all SSDI websites by typing the information once and switching between the different sites including a few that are not listed here.

Introduction

The Social Security Death Index is a list of deceased individuals whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration. It has been kept since 1962. The index includes a few deaths even before that, beginning in 1937.

More information

• United States Social Security Death Index.

SSDI Contents

The SSDI typically has the following information on the individuals:

• Name
• Social security number
• State issued
• Birth date
• Death date
• Last residence
• Lump sum payment

Why some individuals are not in the SSDI

• Unemployed: Those that never worked may not have had a social security number. In 1987, assigning a social security at birth was instituted as an option.
• Self-employed: Those that were self-employed did not qualify for a social security number. This included farmers, many doctors, attorneys and other self-employed professionals.
• Railroad employees: The Railroad Act provided those employed in the railroad industry with benefits and did not need social security.
• Married women: Women are found in the index by their legal name. If they were married, they would be listed under their married name, not maiden name.
• Deaths were not recorded:

• From 1937 to 1961: very few deaths were recorded.
• From 1962-1971, about 50 percent of deceased persons can be found in the SSDI.
• From 1972 to 2005, about 85 percent of deceased persons can be found in the SSDI

Obtaining Additional Information Beyond the SSDI

• New in 2015: U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 at Ancestry.com, may be searched for free at Family History Centers.
• When you find an individual in the SSDi you can request a full copy of their application, which is known as a SS-5. Rootsweb had made the process easy but is now listed under a page at Ancestry.com. After completing a search, you will find a link in the "Tools" column labeled "SS-5 letter." By clicking on the link, you will find a form letter with the name, Social Security Number, and pertinent dates from the Death Index already filled in. You will need to do the following before mailing the request to the SSA:

• Add your personal contact information to the letter. Add your name, address, and daytime telephone number.

• Include a check or money order made payable to the Social Security Administration. The SSA also accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards. Include the card number and expiration date if you are using a credit card. The current fee is USD $27 per record when the Social Security Number is known, and USD $29 when the number is unknown or incorrect. You are charged the fee even if the SSA is unable to locate any information on the person. It may take up to six months to receive a report, so please be patient. Ancestry.com has no way to expedite your order, or to determine when it will be sent.

• You can also obtain copies of your ancestor's SS-5 application by:
  Online Request for Deceased Individual's Social Security Record, payable by credit card. Fees are the same as a mail request. Print Form SSA-711 “Request for Deceased Individual’s Social Security Record.” found at Social Security. Call your local Social Security office and request a copy of Form SSA-711.

SS-5 Application Contents

The SS-5 application is important to a family history researcher because of the detail it provides. The SS-5 application contains the following information: Applicant's full name, Age at last birthday, Date and place of birth, father and mother's full name (including the mother's maiden name), Gender and date signed and applicant's signature.

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