Social Security Death Index

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The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of death records created from the United States Social Security Administration's Death Master File Extract. Most persons who have died since 1963 and who had a Social Security Number (SSN) and whose death has been reported to the Department of Social Security will be listed in the SSDI.

Unlike the Death Master File, the SSDI is available online for free from several genealogy websites. The SSDI is a popular tool for genealogists and biographers. The database contains valuable genealogical data: the deceased person's birth date, death date, SSN, State or Territory where the SSN was issued, and last place of residence. Once a genealogist finds an ancestor in the database, the ancestor's Application for Social Security Card (Form SS-5) can be ordered from the Social Security Administration. The SS-5 contains additional genealogical data such as birth place, father's name, and mother's full maiden name.

Given the growing problem of identity theft and the importance of the Social Security Number as a personal identifier in the United States, it might seem unusual that these identifiers are released publicly. The principle involved is that living persons have a right to privacy which includes the right not to have their Social Security Number revealed, but once a person dies they lose their right to privacy and therefore the United States Department of Social Security can reveal their number and report their dates and places of birth and death.

The death index is used to prevent fraud so that no one can steal the identity of a dead person, and take out a credit card or a bank loan in a dead person's name.