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About Social Security Death Index
Why can’t I see the Social Security Number? If the Social Security Number is not visible on the record index it is because Ancestry.com does not provide this number in the Social Security Death Index for any person that has passed away within the past 10 years.
This file includes the following information on each decedent, if the data is available to the SSA:
- Last name
- First name
- Social Security Number
- State issued
- Birth date
- Death date
- Last residence
- Lump sum payment
The absence of a particular person in the SSDI is not proof this person is alive. Additionally, there is a possibility that incorrect records of death have been entered on the DMF. The Social Security Administration does not guarantee the accuracy of the file.
SEARCHING TIPS
When you know the information, be as specific as possible to avoid a large of hits. (Large can be somewhere over a couple hundred or so.) If you are unable to find someone you are looking for, here are some things to try:
- Change dates around (e.g. instead of searching for 5 Oct 1954 [10/5/54], search for 10 May 1954 [5/10/54])
- Change years around (e.g. 1984 becomes 1948)
- Use all other possible spellings of the name (and perhaps some that aren't so likely)
- Switch last name and first name around
- Try searching for a middle name as a first name
- Even if you know a piece of information, try omitting it (e.g. if you know first and last name and death date, try leaving off the first name).
Click here for other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the SSDI.
Related data collections
U.S. Federal Census Collection
Search the entire collection of U.S. Federal Censuses from 1790 – 1940.1930 United States Federal Census
The 1930 Census contains records for approximately 123 million Americans. The census gives us a glimpse into the lives of Americans in 1930, and contains information about a household’s family members and occupants including: birthplaces, occupations, immigration, citizenship, and military service. The names of those listed in the census are linked to actual images of the 1930 Census.1920 United States Federal Census
This database is an index to individuals enumerated in the 1920 United States Federal Census, the Fourteenth Census of the United States. It includes all states and territories, as well as Military and Naval Forces, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Panama Canal Zone. The census provides many details about individuals and families including: name, gender, age, birthplace, year of immigration, mother tongue, and parents’ birthplaces. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to actual images of the 1920 Federal Census.1910 United States Federal Census
This database is an index to the head of households enumerated in the 1910 United States Federal Census, the Thirteenth Census of the United States. In addition, each indexed name is linked to actual images of the 1910 Federal Census. The information recorded in the census includes: name, relationship to head of family, age at last birthday, sex, color or race, whether single, married, widowed, or divorced, birthplace, birthplace of father and mother, and more.