Social Security Death Index

Use Social Security Death Index in ancestry and genealogy immigration research.

Social Security Death Index

Immigrants are included in the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). Not all names are included in the SSDI, even when a Social Security number (SNN). A name probably will not appear in this database if the individual died before 1962 (when the records were computerized or relatives or the funeral home did not report the death to the Social Security Administration or).

The omission of a name from the index does not indicate the person is still living. It does mean that no report of the person’s death was provided to Social Security Administration.

In addition to the date of birth and date of death, the following three places may be included in the Social Security Death Index:

  • State of issuance (where a person then lived and applied or the state where the office that issued their social security number was located).
  • Residence at time of death (this is the address of record, but not necessarily where they lived or died).
  • Death benefit (the lump sum death benefit [burial allowance] was sent).

Other Resources to Help Trace Immigrant Ancestors

Are you developing a family history for an individual or family? Are you trying to find their immigrant origins? Start by seeing the articles

The following videos can help you get a head start in understanding immigration and country of origin ancestor research.

 

How to Find the Origin of Immigrants Coming to America
An introduction to immigration and migration historical research. You will be introduced to a five-step methodology to find the immigrant origins when conducting individual and family history research.

Addition videos include:

The following are records I have found extremely helpful and full of clues to finding an individual’s birthplace and immigrant origins. It is designed to provide a quick reference and direction for finding and searching for records as probable places to find information. You can use these records to develop an immigrant paper trail to assist you in finding and tracing an individual immigrant’s origins. Check out these articles:

Records for Tracing Immigrant Ancestors
Cemetery Records Census Records Church Records 
Colonial Town Records Historical and Genealogical Societies Histories and Biographies
Land Grant Records Maps and Gazetteers Naturalization Record
Obituaries Passport Applications Ship Passenger Lists
Social Security Applications Social Security Death Index

Check out the following country profiles to learn more about their immigration and migration in America.

Immigration and Migration in America
Czechs and Slovaks Danish Dutch
English Finnish French
German Greek Hungarian
Icelandic Irish Italian
Norwegian Polish Russian
Scandinavian Scottish Swedish
Welch United States Western Migration

Articles include:

Learn more about immigrant records at “Immigrant Records at the National Archives.”