The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a collection of records about people whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s also known as the Social Security Death Master File
- Records: The SSDI includes records starting in 1962, with a few records of people who died between 1937 and 1961.
- Release time: Records are made public 3 years after a person’s death.
The SSDI doesn’t cover every death in the U.S. It mainly includes people who had a Social Security Number and were receiving benefits. If someone's death wasn’t reported to the SSA, they probably won’t have a record in the SSDI.
What you'll find in SSDI records
When searching the SSDI, you might find:
- Full name (married women are usually listed by their married name)
- Birth date (month and year)
- Death date (month and year only, until 1988)
- State or territory where the social security number was issued
- Residence at time of death (not necessarily the place of death)
- Social Security Number (SSN)
About Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a 9-digit number that serves as a unique ID for people in the U.S. It's made up of three parts:
- Area Number (first 3 digits): Originally showed where someone applied for their SSN (before 1973). After 1973, numbers were randomized.
- Group Number (middle 2 digits): Helped the Social Security Administration (SSA) organize applications. It doesn’t carry any special meaning.
- Serial Number (last 4 digits): A unique number assigned in order within each area and group.
While social security numbers (SSNs) used to suggest where someone lived or applied for their number, that’s not always the case today. In addition, where someone first got their number doesn’t always match where they lived later in life or died.
To learn more, read the Social Security Administration’s article about the SSN numbering system.
Searching the SSDI record collection
Go to the Social Security Death Index
Or,
- From any Ancestry® page, click the Search tab and choose Card Catalog.
- In the Keywords field (top-left), enter SSDI and click Search.
- On the right, select U.S., Social Security Death Index, [years].
- Enter the details you know and click Search.
Search tips
If you’re having trouble finding someone in the SSDI, these strategies can help:
- Search with spelling variations.
- Look for nicknames and abbreviated names.
- Search the indexes and records of nearby counties.
- Try filling in only the first name and date of death fields.
Keep in mind that SSDI records are generally made public 3 years after a person’s death, so if the person passed away recently, their SSDI record might not be available yet.
Frequently asked questions
Select a question below to view the answer. Select the question again to hide it.
How do I know if my ancestor had a Social Security number?
If your ancestor lived and worked in the United States or received Social Security benefits, they likely had a Social Security Number.
If you're not sure, you can request a copy of their SS-5 (Social Security Application) or contact your local Social Security office for help.
Why isn’t my ancestor listed in the SSDI?
The SSDI doesn’t include every person who died in the U.S. It mainly covers individuals who had a Social Security Number and whose deaths were reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Your ancestor might not appear in the SSDI if:
- They never had a Social Security Number.
- Their death wasn’t reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- They passed away before consistent record-keeping (most records start in 1962).
- Their name may be recorded differently, such as under a married name.
What if I can't find someone in the SSDI?
If you can’t find someone in the SSDI, it might be because they didn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) or their death wasn’t reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
However, if they had a social security number, you might be able to request a copy of their original Social Security Application (SS-5 form).
The SS-5 application usually includes:
- Full name at birth
- Mailing address at time of application
- Age on the last birthday
- Date and place of birth
- Father’s full name
- Mother’s full name, including maiden name
- Sex and race
- Employment details (if applicable)
- Date signed
- Signature
What if the SSDI record only lists part of the name or doesn’t match exactly?
Names in SSDI records might not match perfectly. Some things to keep in mind:
- Married women are often listed by their married names.
- Spelling errors or name variations are common.
Try searching with:
- Different versions of the name or wildcards
- Only the first name and a death date
- Partial information for a broader search
How can I correct an error in the SSDI?
If you find an error in the SSDI, you can update the information on Ancestry, but this only updates the information on the Ancestry website.
To correct the official record in the Death Master File, contact your local Social Security office for help. They can guide you through the steps to fix mistakes in the official file.
Can I use SSDI records to verify my ancestor’s birth or death date?
SSDI records can help confirm birth and death dates, but they might not always provide full details. Birth dates are usually listed by the month and year, while death dates are typically only available for people who passed away after 1988.
How long does it take for SSDI records to be made public?
SSDI records are generally made public 3 years after a person’s death. If your ancestor passed away recently, their record might not be available yet.
