HELP - U.S. Social Security Death Index: Individual Record
HELP - U.S. Social Security Death Index: Individual Record |
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When Should I Use the Individual Record Screen?
Use the Individual Record screen when you want to:
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How Do I Download a Record?
You can download information from the U.S. Social Security Death Index to your computer. Downloading requires Java Script-enabled browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The information will be downloaded in GEDCOM format, which can be used with Personal Ancestral File and other family history record-keeping software.
To download a record:
Note: Check boxes do not stay checked when you advance to other screens. However, FamilySearch Internet will remember the records you select. You can click the Prepare Selected Records for Download link to see the records you have selected thus far.
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Tips for Using the Individual Record
1. Use the social security number. If you already know your ancestor's social security number, verify that it is the same as the one listed on the screen. You can use the number to request additional information directly from the Social Security Administration.
2. Check the Death Residence Localities. Identifying your ancestor's last place of residence may help you locate a death certificate or obituary.
3. Look for Death Benefit Localities. The Death Benefit Locality refers to the place where the social security death benefit payment was sent. Knowing where the payment was sent may help you to locate living relatives.
4. Pay attention to zip codes. The social security record lists the postal zip codes for the state of residence at death and the state where the death benefit was sent. Zip codes can be useful in identifying the locality within a state. For example, 28205 would be Charlotte, NC; 27609 would be Raleigh, NC.
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I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For. Now What?
1. Choose another record.
2. Refine your search for the person.
3. Search for other family members. If you can't find the person you are looking for, try searching for other family members, such as a parent, sibling, or spouse.
4. Try using a different search method. You may want to try searching a different database. Follow the steps below to choose another database:
You can also search web sites for general topics, such as military history or cemeteries. From the Search tab, click Web Sites; then choose one of the following options:
5. Search the Family History Library Catalog. The catalog lists additional records that are not available on the Internet but are available at a local Family History Center. The catalog lists:
Close Help and Go to the Family History Library Catalog.
6. Look in Research Guidance. This tool helps you decide what records to use to find information about your ancestor. It lists the best records to use, recommends the order in which to search them, provides step-by-step instructions for finding information in the records, and tells you where the copies of the records may be located.
Close Help and Go to Research Guidance.
7. Browse other genealogical sites. You may find it helpful to use other Internet resources. Major Internet genealogical sites are listed in the Key Genealogical Sites category.
Close Help and Go to Key Genealogical Sites.
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Details about Each Part of the Screen
Name: The name of the person as it appears on the original record.
Check Box: Click the check box if you want to download the record to your computer. Then click Prepare Selected Records for Download to continue the download process. Please note that the boxes do not stay checked when you advance to other screens. However, FamilySearch Internet will remember the records you select. You can use the Prepare Selected Records for Download link to see the records you have selected thus far.
Birth Date: Lists the individual's complete birth date.
Death Date: Lists the month and year of death. After 1987, the day of death is also included.
Social Security Number: Lists the social security number of the individual. If you know the person's social security number, check to see if it is the same as the one listed on this screen.
State or Territory Where Number Was Issued:
Lists the state or territory where the individual lived when he or she first received a social security number.Death Residence Localities: Lists the last place where the person lived at the time of death. This place is the legal residence, not the place of death.
Death Benefit Localities: Lists the place where the death benefit payment was sent to a living relative.
Prepare Selected Records for Download: Use this link after you have selected all the records you want to download. The link will take you to a screen that lists the records you have selected. You can then complete the downloading process. If you want to select more records before downloading, use the Return to Search Results link.
Return to Search Results link: Use this link to return to the screen that lists the results of your last search of the Vital Records Index. Here you can select more records for downloading.
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