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For many genealogists, the Social Security Death Index is the first step to accurately identifying ancestors and mapping out an accurate portrait of their family history.
Use The SSDI Search For Family History Research
Social Security death records can help confirm the dates of birth and death of an ancestor, locate their last residence, and find out where an ancestor lived when their Social Security card was issued. Use these records to expand your family tree and uncover related family members.Combined with their newspaper obituary, you can find detailed and valuable information about your ancestors, such as their career, hobbies, civic associations, academic affiliations and a list of close relatives. This information provides more pieces of the puzzle for finding out more about your family history. And in some cases, the SSDI can often provide ‘cause of death’ report, which may help reveal or confirm possible examples of hereditary medical conditions that may run in the family.
Family History Facts You Can Find In the SS Death Index:
- Name of deceased individual
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- Age at death
- State & zip code in which the Social Security card was issued
Use this information and past medical files to reveal or confirm possible examples of hereditary medical conditions that may run in the family.
Why Use GenealogyBank's SSDI Collection?
- Our social security death index records are integrated with the other GenealogyBank online collections for the most robust family history research tool.
- Find an ancestors’ official death record and then uncover their life through details preserved in newspaper archives, such as their birth announcement, marital status, military records and more.
- A combined search of the SSDI and GenealogyBank’s newspaper obituaries can provide 98% of recent annual U.S. deaths.
- When you search for your ancestor by name, you’ll receive an integrated search result that includes the obituary or death record along with the same name that is in the SSDI database making it easier to verify if this is the same person.
What is the Social Security Death Index?
The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of people who had a U.S. social security number and whose death was reported to the Social Security Administration. If a death hasn't been reported to the SSA, it won't be in the Social Security death records even if the individual had a social security number. Read More
SS Death Index records have been kept since 1962, but a small number of people who passed away between 1937 and 1961 are also included. The SSDI was created from the Social Security Death Master File, and it's very close to being a national death index for the U.S.
Even though the SSDI doesn't contain every death that has happened since 1962, it does list many deaths from that year on, especially after the late 1980s.
When you find a person in the US Social Security Death Index, you can find a copy of their SS-5 application, which is the form the person filled out when they applied for a Social Security Card.
Why is it important?
By finding a person's death index, you will usually discover facts about them that you may not have known before. You can use the facts you gather from the SSDI to start a more detailed investigation and uncover many new interesting things about your ancestors.
From the SSDI, you may learn a birth date or the state in which the Social Security card was requested – or at least where the card was mailed. After you discover which state your ancestor lived in, you can then look for census records or birth certificates in that state to discover more.
After finding your relative or ancestor, there are several paths to take to further your investigation:
- Since you have a death date and a location of residence, you can look up local newspaper archives for obituaries or life event announcements. You may request a death certificate or obtain records from the funeral home in that location if they have any.
- The SSDI also often reveals the location where the deceased's lump-sum distribution was sent. With this information in hand, you can search online phone directories and find the last name of the person you believe received those benefits. It can lead to a valuable contact that may reveal a lot about your relatives.
- Request an SS-5 using the SSDI to discover more detailed information about the person that interests you.
A quick history of the Social Security Death Index
Since 1962, the Social Security Administration has used an electronic system or a computer for maintaining records of millions of deaths reported to them. Around 60 million deaths are listed in this database, placed in tape format, and not searchable by the general public. Read More
All SSDI information in the United States comes from a single source – the records of the Social Security Administration. They include first and last name, Social Security number, date of birth and date of death, last residence zip code, and zip code of the lump sum payment recipient.
As it happens with any electronic data, there were problems in the original database, and some of those errors continue to flow through all versions of the SSDI. For example, the Social Security Administration database allows only nine letters for the first name and twelve letters for the last name. If the person had a name or surname longer than that, the remaining letters would be left off.
Data entry errors also occur. If you search for someone by their name and birth date, it's sometimes best to start with their first name only. Then, include additional details and information to narrow your search.
What can an SSDI search be used for?
You can use the SSDI as a starting point for a more profound search for your ancestors. If you’re wondering, "How do I access the social security death index?" you should know it's the easiest thing in the world. All you need to do is type your ancestor's name and a few more details about them above, and let our ancestry finder do the rest for you.
After using the Social Security Death Index to request a copy of the person's application for a Social Security Account Number (SS-5), you will learn tons of new information. The SS-5 usually contains the following information:
- Social Security Number
- Full name (including a maiden name for women)
- The correct address of the person at the time of the application
- Their employer's name and address (only in applications dated before 1947)
- Date and place of birth
- Age at last birthday
- The full names of their parents, including their mother's maiden name
- Sex
- Color
- Whether the person previously applied for the SSA.
The social security index document also contains the applicant's original signature and the application date.
Social Security Death Index Search Tips
- Name searches in the Social Security Death Index are processed against three fields of data—the first and last names of the deceased, and his or her middle initial or name.
- Only the first 10-12 letters of first names are shown in the death index records and only middle initials are recorded.
- To search for ancestors with names more than 12 letters use only the first 12 letters to avoid getting an incorrect not found error.
- Search for your married female ancestors by their married names vs. maiden names.
- Search by name variations and nicknames if you’re having difficultly finding your ancestors’ records.
- Refine your search by adding birth or death date years and/or zip codes.
- The death place in the SSDI may not be the actual place of death as it’s the last residence the Social Security Administration had on file.
- Use the Social Security Administration's or a local newspaper’s obituary to cross reference this information.
- Keep in mind that before Social Security numbers (SSNs) were linked to death records, someone might be missing from the index if the Social Security death benefit was never requested, there was an error on the form requesting the Social Security benefit, or an error was made when entering the information into the SSDI database. Read More
FAQs
What is the Social Security Death Index SSDI? ›
The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of people whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA) beginning about 1962. A small number of deaths are listed before 1962. It was created from the Social Security Administration's Death Master File.
Is there a Social Security Death Index? ›The "Social Security Death Index" is a database created from the Social Security Administration's Death Master File. This is an index of deceased individuals whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration. It has been kept since 1962, when operations were computerized.
Who can access the SSA Death Master file? ›Who Can Access the SSA DMF? According to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public is granted access to death data reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Is there a national death database? ›The NDI is a database of all deaths in the United States
Containing over 100 million death records, the National Death Index (NDI) can help you find out who in your study has died by linking your own research datasets to death certificate information for your study subjects.
Your spouse, children, and parents could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings. You may receive survivors benefits when a family member dies. You and your family could be eligible for benefits based on the earnings of a worker who died. The deceased person must have worked long enough to qualify for benefits.
Is there survivor benefits for SSDI? ›SSDI survivors benefits also include an ongoing monthly payment to surviving spouses (or another eligible family member). The amount of these benefits is based on a decedent's work history and average lifetime earnings. The longer they worked, the higher the monthly benefit payment will be.
How do you access the National Death Index? ›- Step 1: Check your eligibility. ...
- Step 2: Request access to the electronic application. ...
- Step 3: Wait to hear from us. ...
- Step 4: Submit the electronic application form. ...
- Step 5: Prepare and send your files. ...
- Step 6: Receive and assess your results.
Note: Note: Not everyone who has, or has had, a Social Security card will appear on the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). Many enrolled persons are not listed either because their death was not reported to the SSA or they are still living.
How can you find out the cause of death of someone? ›You may request a death certificate from your state's vital records website. A death certificate contains personal information, cause of death, and the time of death.
What is SSDI Death Master File? ›What is the Death Master File? The Death Master File (DMF) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a data source that contains more than 94 million records. The “file” is created from internal SSA records of deceased persons possessing social security numbers and whose deaths were reported to the SSA .
Is the Death Master File public? ›
The Death Master File is considered a public document under the Freedom of Information Act, and monthly and weekly updates of the file are sold by the National Technical Information Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
How often is the Social Security Death Index updated? ›The Social Security Administration updates the Death Index monthly. However, every site does not update their database every month. Therefore, what you find at one site may not be available at another site.
Can you look up people who have died? ›Go To An Archive Facility. One in-person way to locate information about a person's death is to visit an Archive Facility, which almost every city has. Here you'll find historical information, public records, and other documents that will help you find out if someone has died.
What is the index of death? ›The NDI is a national file of identifying death record information (beginning with 1979 deaths) compiled from computer files submitted by state vital statistics offices. Death records are added to the NDI file annually.
What happens when someone on disability dies? ›If someone was receiving Social Security Disability benefits and they died, their benefits immediately cease. You should report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) as soon as possible. In some cases, a funeral director could report the death as part of their services.
What happens when spouse on SSDI dies? ›You will receive 100% of your deceased spouse's SSDI benefit. (To determine your full retirement age, go to Social Security Benefit Amounts for the Surviving Spouse by Year of Birth.)
How do you get the $250 death benefit from Social Security disability? ›You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
What is a survivor benefit for long term disability? ›Survivor Benefit The Survivor Benefit is a lump sum payment issued to your survivors, should you die while receiving disability benefits. The benefit payment is equal to three times your primary monthly benefit less other income sources.
How long does Social Security pay survivor benefits? ›Widows and widowers
These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit. Beneficiaries entitled to two types of Social Security payments receive the higher of the two amounts.
Two aspects of the Social Security program emphasize the program's insurance value; they are survivors' benefits, which provide assistance to the family members of deceased workers, and disability insurance, which provides assistance to disabled workers and their family members.
How do I look up a death certificate online? ›
In UP, you can Search Death Certificate online and check status from the website of https://e-nagarsewaup.gov.in/. There is no need of visiting Registration office initially to apply and Search for Death Certificate in UP. Status of Death Certificate also can be searched online by visiting the website.
How much does National Death Index cost? ›The fees for routine NDI searches consist of a $350.00 service charge plus $0.15 per user record for each year of death searched.
Are death certificates Public USA? ›As with birth records, death records maintained by the bureau of vital statistics or local registration official are available to the public.
Why does Social Security only pay 255 one time death benefit? ›The cap of $255 on the LSDB was introduced by law in 1954. Two years prior to this legislative change, the maximum PIA payable under Social Security had reached the $85 level. Thus 3 X the PIA for these maximum cases would yield a LSDB of $255.
Is Social Security death benefit automatic? ›If the spouse or child was already receiving family benefits on the deceased's record, the death benefit will typically be paid to them automatically once the death is reported to Social Security. If that is not the case, the survivor must apply for the death benefit within two years of the death.
What should I do if I am incorrectly listed as deceased in Social Security's records? ›If you suspect that you have been incorrectly listed as deceased on your Social Security record, please visit your local Social Security office as soon as possible.
Are causes of death public record? ›Public information
For example, the cause of a person's death will be recorded on a death certificate, which is a public document.
A death certificate is a permanent public record of the disease or injury responsible for the death (the cause of death) and the explanation of how the cause arose (the manner of death).
Can you view coroners reports? ›Coroners' post mortem examination results
If you want a written copy of the full report you need to ask the coroner's officer or to write to the Coroner concerned and they may charge a fee. Some Coroners prefer to send the report to a doctor to explain and discuss the findings with you.
If you remain eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, nothing will happen to them if you receive an inheritance. That is because SSDI benefits are based on your work record prior to becoming disabled and do not depend on how much money or assets/resources you have at any given time.
What happens when a parent on SSDI dies? ›
Only adult children with disabilities can receive Social Security benefits after their parents die. If the deceased parent was retired and receiving retirement benefits, those payments stop after death.
Do funeral directors have access to death certificates? ›Do I need a death certificate to arrange a funeral? Your funeral director won't need a copy of the death certificate in order to arrange the funeral, but they will require a death to be registered.
How can I get my deceased dad's Social Security? ›You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
How to find Social Security number of deceased parent for free? ›You can make a request for a copy of a deceased person's original Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) and/or Numident record (a computer extract of the SS-5) in two ways: Online: Submit your request via FOIAonline at https://foiaonline.gov/foiaonline/action/public/home.
How much is Social Security lump-sum death benefit? ›What is Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment? Social Security's Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP) is federally funded and managed by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). A surviving spouse or child may receive a special lump-sum death payment of $255 if they meet certain requirements.
Do death benefits expire? ›There is usually no time limit on life insurance death benefits, so you don't have to worry about filling a claim too late. To file a claim, you can call the company or, in many cases, start the process online.
What is the one time death benefit from Social Security? ›A surviving spouse, surviving divorced spouse, unmarried child, or dependent parent may be eligible for monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased worker's earnings. In addition, a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 can be made to a qualifying spouse or child if they meet certain requirements.
How can I find out a date of death? ›The best way to find a death certificate is to contact the vital records office where the person died. If it was in the US, contact the office in the county where they died. In other countries, you may need to contact the national government for a copy of the death certificate.
Who keeps track of deaths and births in the United States? ›CDC's National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) captures all deaths from all causes across every state in the nation. These mortality data help us track the characteristics of those dying in the United States, help determine life expectancy, and allow comparisons of death trends with other countries.
How do I access the Social Security Death Index? ›- From any page on Ancestry®, click the Search tab and select Card Catalog.
- In the Keywords field, type SSDI and click Search.
- On the right, click U.S., Social Security Death Index, [years].
- Enter information and click Search.
What is the Social Security death benefit amount? ›
Widow or widower, age 60 or older, but under full retirement age, gets between 71% and 99% of the worker's basic benefit amount. Widow or widower, any age, with a child younger than age 16, gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. Child gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount.
How does the Social Security Death Index work? ›The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) contains information about millions of deceased people with U.S. social security numbers whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Deaths not reported to the SSA are not recorded in the Social Security Death Index.
What do the numbers on a death index mean? ›The number written on the death certificate is called an ICD number and is a code for an ancestor's cause of death. ICD stands for International Classification of Diseases. The ICD code corresponds with a specific cause of death. You can look these up!
What is the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›You can get a bonus of up to $16,728 per year so that your Social Security payment check increases every month.
What is the most common payout of death benefits? ›The most common payout type is the lump sum payment. As the name indicates, this is a single payment, usually in the form of a check, that is given to the beneficiary once the amount has been approved by the insurer.
Who gets the one time death benefit? ›A surviving spouse, surviving divorced spouse, unmarried child, or dependent parent may be eligible for monthly survivor benefits based on the deceased worker's earnings. In addition, a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 can be made to a qualifying spouse or child if they meet certain requirements.
How often does the Social Security Death Index update? ›The Social Security Administration updates the Death Index monthly. However, every site does not update their database every month. Therefore, what you find at one site may not be available at another site.
Can a grown child collect parents Social Security? ›Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent's full retirement or disability benefits. If a child receives survivors benefits, they can get up to 75% of the deceased parent's basic Social Security benefit. There is a limit, however, to the amount of money we can pay to a family.
Who claims the death benefit? ›If an estate exists, the executor named in the will or the administrator named by the Court to administer the estate applies for the death benefit. The executor should apply for the benefit within 60 days of the date of death.