The Social Security Death Index, or SSDI, is a database of deceased U.S. residents who had Social Security numbers and whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration. While it contains millions of names, it is not a complete listing of all deaths in the United States.
Historical background on the Security Death Index Records
The Social Security System was established in 1936 to provide a way for eligible workers to contribute money toward their future retirement through a payroll tax[1]. Workers registered to participate and obtain a Social Security number by filling out an SS-5 form at their local post office. Participants began paying the tax in 1937. At first, retiring participants received a lump-sum payment. Monthly benefits began in 1940.[1] The SSDI was started in 1962, when the Social Security administration began using computerized records. The database contains information on only a small number of deaths before 1962. It has information on about 50 percent of all deaths from 1962 to 1971, and about 85 percent of all deaths from 1972 to 2005. [2] Those who were not eligible to participate in the Social Security program won’t be named in the SSDI. This includes:
- Self-employed people, such as farmers and many doctors and lawyers.
- Those who never worked, including housewives who weren’t employed outside the home. Only in 1987 did it become common for parents to request a Social Security number when their child was born.[3]
- Railroad employees, who received benefits through the Railroad Retirement Board.[3]
Information contained in Security Death Index Records
Your relative’s SSDI listing may contain these details:
- Name (long last names are shortened to 12 letters)
- Social Security number
- State that issued the Social Security number
- Birth date
- Death date
- Last place of residence known to the Social Security Administration
- Lump sum payment amount (if any)
How to find Security Death Index Records
The SSDI is readily available to search online using your relative’s name and other details. You can search SSDI records from 1935 to 2014 for free at MyHeritage.com.
For privacy reasons, recent deaths are not included in the Security Death Index Records. Because these began as a computerized index, it is not available on paper or microfilm. For very long surnames, search with only the first 12 letters. Search for married women using their legal surname (whether their birth or married name). If you find your relative’s name in the Security Death Index Records, use the information to look for related records, such as an SS-5 application form and death records.
Explore more about Security Death Index Records
- U.S. Social Security Death Index (SSDI) record collection at MyHeritage
- U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007 record collection at MyHeritage
- Social Security Number application forms (SS-5)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Historical Background And Development Of Social Security. Social Security Administration
- ↑ The Social Security Administration’s Death Master File: The Completeness of Death Reporting at Older Ages. Social Security Administration
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 8 Types of Americans Who Aren’t Eligible to Get Social Security. Investopedia