Top 3 tips for searching the Social Security Death Index

Looking for someone’s name on the Social Security Death Index
How to Find Your Ancestors in SSDI

The Social Security Death Index is a massive database that contains critical information for over 77 million persons (mostly Americans) whose deaths have been reported to the Social Security Administration in the United States (SSA). Deaths included in this database may have been reported by a survivor seeking benefits or to halt Social Security benefits to the deceased. The majority of the material (approximately 98 percent) in this index comes from 1962, while some data extends back to 1937. This is because the SSA began using a computer database for processing benefit petitions in 1962. Many previous entries (1937-1962) were never entered into this electronic database.

Approximately 400,000 railroad retirement documents from the early 1900s to the 1950s are also included among the millions of records. These begin with numbers ranging from 700 to 728.

What the Social Security Death Index Can Teach You

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a fantastic resource for learning about Americans who died after the 1960s. In most cases, a record in the Social Security Death Index will include some or all of the following information: last name, first name, birth date, death date, Social Security number, the state of residence where the Social Security number (SSN) was issued, the last known residence, and the location where the last benefit payment was sent. The record may additionally include a particular state or nation residency code for those who died while lived outside of the United States. Social Security data can assist in locating a birth certificate, death certificate, obituary, maiden name, parents’ names, employment, or place of residence.

How to Look Up Someone’s Death in the Social Security Death Index
Numerous internet groups provide the Social Security Death Index as a free online resource. Some websites charge for access to the Social Security Death Index, but why pay when you can search it for free?

When searching the Social Security Death Index, input only one or two known information and then search for the best results. If the person had an uncommon surname, you could find it beneficial to search on only the surname. If the search results are too long, add more information and try again. Be inventive. Most Social Security Death Index databases allow you to do a search based on any combination of information (such as a birth date and first name).

With over 77 million Americans covered by SSDI, identifying a specific person may often be a frustrating task. Understanding the search choices is critical for narrowing down your search. Remember: it’s better to start with only a few facts and then add more as required to fine-tune your search results.

Search the SSDI with your last name.

When searching the SSDI, it is best to start with the last name and maybe one other information. Select the “Soundex Search” option (if available) for the best results and to avoid missing possible misspellings. You may also do your own search for obvious alternate name spellings. When looking for a name that contains punctuation (such as D’Angelo), enter the name without the punctuation. You should try it with and without a space in lieu of the punctuation (for example, ‘D Angelo’ and DAngelo). All names with prefixes and suffixes (including those without punctuation) should be searched both with and without the space (for example, ‘McDonald’ and ‘Mc Donald’). If you’re looking for a married woman, consider searching under both her married name and her maiden name.

Search the SSDI using your first name.
Because the first name box is only searched by precise spelling, make careful to test alternative possibilities such as different spellings, initials, nicknames, middle names, and so on.

Search the SSDI database with your Social Security number.
This is frequently the information sought by genealogists examining the SSDI. This number allows you to request the individual’s Social Security application, which can lead to the discovery of a wealth of fresh information on your ancestor. The first three numbers might also tell you which state issued the SSN.

Using the SSDI to search by state of issue

In most situations, the first three digits of the SSN show the state from whence the number was issued (there are a few instances where one three digit number was used for more than one state). Fill in this form if you have a good idea of where your ancestor was residing at the time they acquired their SSN. However, keep in mind that persons frequently lived in one state but had their SSN issued by another.

Searching the SSDI Using Your Birth Date
This field is divided into three sections: the birth date, the month, and the year. You may do a search using just one of these fields or any combination of them. (For example, the month and year). If you’re having no luck, try reducing your search to just one (i.e. the month or the year). You should also look for apparent mistakes (for example, 1895 and/or 1958 for 1985).

Using the SSDI to Look Up a Person’s Death Date
The death date, like the birth date, allows you to search individually on the birth date, month, and year. Prior to 1988, it is best to search by month and year alone, as the specific day of death was rarely documented. Make careful to look for any possible errors!

Searching the SSDI based on your last place of residence
This is the last known address of the person at the time the benefit was sought for. Because around 20% of entries do not have any information on Last Residence, if you are having trouble with your search, you could try searching with this field left blank. The address is supplied in the form of a ZIP code, along with the city/town associated with that ZIP code. Keep in mind that boundaries have shifted over time, so double-check the city/town names with other sources.

Searching for SSDI Benefits Using Last Benefit Information
If the person in issue was married, you may discover that the final benefit and place of last residence are the same. It is a field you should normally leave blank for your search because the last benefit might have been provided to any number of persons. However, because next of kin were generally the ones to get the final benefit, this information might be incredibly beneficial in the hunt for relatives.

Many individuals check the Social Security Death Index and are soon disheartened when they cannot find someone they believe should be included. There are a variety of reasons why a person may not be featured, as well as methods for locating persons who aren’t included as you might anticipate.