Social Security Death Index - socialsecuritymedicare.com

Social Security Death Index (SSDI)

What is the Social Security Death Index?

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of deceased people with a Social Security number whose death has been recorded with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Automated recording of this data started in 1962 so not all deaths prior to that year are available.

The following information is available for each recorded person on the Social Security Death Index:

Name - First, Last and Middle
Birth Date
Death Date
Last Residence City, State and Zip
Last Benefit Date
Social Security Number - SSN
SSN Issued State

The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is useful for genealogy as well as identity checking. The information returned can be a starting point for tracing ancestory. It identifies the last place of residence which can in turn lead to further research opportunites.

Business and government can also benefit from the Social Security Death Index. A check of the index can reveal attempted impersonation / identity theft. In addition, it can be used in part to check validity of life insurance death claims. Also, it can be used to remove deceased people from mailing list, saving postage and other expenses.

Social Security Death Index Search

The Social Security Administration supplies its list to a number of organizations who in turn provide a web search. Be ready to enter search criteria:

Last Name
First Name
Middle Name or Initial
Social Security Number (SSN)

Here are some of the places where you can do a search:

ancestry.com : Rootsweb service
genealogybank.com : SSDI Search
government-records.com : SSDI Search