"I have found the Social Security Death Index to be helpful in a number of ways. In some cases, I use the social security numbers to simply verify that I am dealing with the same person, not just another person with the same name. In other cases, I use the last known zip code to search for death records in the town where the zip code covers. In some cases, I can either confirm or contest data that I might already have." (V.M.)
Death certificates sometimes included the number of years in the area and would give a clue as to the date of immigration. Death certificates can be obtained through the SSDI (Social Security Death Index). The US Social Security Index is an index of several million deceased people who had social security numbers and whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration.
The index mainly covers death since 1962. However, some records are as early as 1937. You do not need your ancestor's social security number to use this index. Many web site have made available online the SSDI.
Please find below a list of questions and answers that will help you to learn how to obtain a copy of a Social Security Number Application:
1) Why should I order a Social Security Number Application?
2) How can I order a copy of a Social Security Number Application?
3) How can I find out my ancestor's Social Security Number?
4) What if I can't find my ancestor's Social Security Number?
5) What kind of information is on the Social Security Number Application?
6) How long can I expect to wait for a copy of the Social Security Number Application?
1) Why should I order a Social Security Number Application?
The application is a good source of genealogical information. You will find an ancestor's date of birth, birthplace,
father's name, mother's name, and more.
What if you already know this information?
There are other reasons to order a copy of the SS-5. For instance, since the information was provided by your ancestor and not a
secondary party, the SS-5 is good supporting documentation for validating previous research and can also be a source of unexpected
information.
2) How can I order a copy of a Social Security Number Application?
To request a copy of the application for a Social Security Account Number (SS-5), write a letter to the following address:
Social Security Administration
Office of Central Records Operations
FOIA Workgroup
P.O. Box 17772
300 N. Greene Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21290
You can use this sample letter
Remember: a copy of an SS-5 can be ordered ONLY for a deceased person.
You should provide the following information: Applicant's name Applicant's Social Security Number (SSN) Applicant's
approximate date of death.
Please also note the following:
Include the applicant's middle name or initial if known.
When requesting an SS-5 for a female, include all possible last names (i.e. maiden and all married surnames).
If the social security number of the individual is known, the cost is US $7.
Personal checks are accepted.
When requesting SS-5s for several people, mail each request + check in a separate envelope.
This will speed processing in the event there is a problem with one or more of your requests.
On the outside of your envelope below your return address, write or type:
"Information Request for Copy of SS-5"
You can find more information at the Social Security Administration web site: http//www.ssa.gov
3) How can I find out my ancestor's Social Security Number?
First search the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for your ancestor.
An online version of the Index is available on several web sites.
Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/ancestry/search/ssdi/ssdi_index.asp)
Rootsweb.com (http://ssdi.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi)
Genealogy.com (http://www.genealogy.com/genealogy/gen_ssdisearch.html)
However, according to an article about the SSDI at Ancestry.com, it's unlikely you will find an ancestor listed if she/he died before 1962 since "... close to 98% of the entire index contains individuals who died after 1962 (when the SSA began keeping the database on computer). "
You can also request a copy of a SS application through the Rootsweb social security death index search. Once you locate the individual you want, the site automatically generates a form SS letter with the address and your relatives' name.
In all cases, the database contains information provided by the Social Security Administration through the end of June 1999 and contains 61,678,026 records and it is updated monthly.
If your ancestor died in California, try the California State Death Index, which lists social security numbers when available. This State Index is available in many libraries and Family History Centers.
4) What if I can't find my ancestor's Social Security Number?
It is possible to request a copy of the Social Security Number Application (SS-5) without knowing the Social Security Number. The procedure is a little different, takes longer to process and is more expensive. According to the Social Security Administration's web site, in case you do not have the number, you need to provide them identifying information:
1. Full Name
2. Place and date of birth
3. Father's full name
4. Mother's given and maiden names
5. Approximate Date of death
Obviously, the fee is higher: US $16.50. Personal checks are accepted.
To request a copy of the application for a Social Security Account Number (SS-5), write a letter to the following address:
Social Security Administration
Office of Central Records Operations
FOIA Workgroup
P.O. Box 17772
300 N. Greene Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21290
You can use this sample letter
5) What kind of information is on the Social Security Number Application?
The format of the Social Security Number Application (SS-5) changed from year to year, but should contain the following:
1. Applicant's first, middle and last names. For women, the maiden name or previous married name may be substituted
for the middle name.
2. Applicant's address.
3. Applicant's employer and employer's address.
4. Applicant's age at last birthday.
5. Applicant's date of birth.
6. Applicant's place of birth.
7. Full name of applicant's father.
8. Full maiden name of applicant's mother.
9. Applicant's gender.
10. Applicant's race (white, negro, other-specify)
11. Applicant's signature as usually written
12. The date the application was filled out.
It may also included:
13. Name under which applicant worked if different than name above.
14. Applicant's marital status.
15. Wife's maiden name if applicant is male.
16. Beginning or ending date of employment.
17. How applicant was paid.
6) How long can I expect to wait for a copy of the Social Security Number Application?
Usually, it takes at least approximately 4 to 8 weeks to receive a copy of the SS - 5 once the check has been cashed.
You should keep records for each request including a copy of the letter, date mailed, and your check number. After four weeks,
start checking whether your check has cleared your bank.
Follow the instructions in section 2 especially the part about mailing each request separately.